National Freedom Day

National Freedom Day is an observance in the United States and is celebrated every year on February 1st. The day commemorates the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a resolution for the 13th amendment to the American Constitution, that proposed the abolishment of slavery. It is not a public holiday, therefore businesses follow normal working hours.

History of National Freedom Day

On the 1st of February 1865, the American House and Senate passed a joint resolution that would later become the 13th amendment to the constitution of the United States. This amendment was signed by Abraham Lincoln, who was the President at the time, effectively outlawing slavery in America. Although the signing happened in February, it wasn’t until December 6th 1865 that the amendment was approved, and thus added to the constitution. However, February 1st was chosen as the day to celebrate, as it was the first official step in the direction of freedom from slavery.