February 1 Is National Freedom Day
Category: Journeys Written by Robert Wilkinson Views: 1453

Today in 1865 the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery, was signed by Abraham Lincoln. Thanks to the efforts of a former slave pestering Harry Truman, this day became National Freedom Day.
A little backstory: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves were free, but it didn’t have the authority of law. So an effort was made for a Constitutional Amendment, and on February 1, 1865, the 13th Amendment was signed by Lincoln, even though it took longer for the states to ratify it and legally abolish slavery.
Making February 1 into “National Freedom Day” began with Richard R. Wright, a former child slave who went on to be the first president of Savannah State University, a civil rights advocate and an author. He believed there should be a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated, and invited national and local leaders to meet in Philadelphia to formulate plans to set aside February 1 each year to memorialize the signing of the 13th Amendment.
In 1942, when he was 86, he began actively lobbying for the creation of National Freedom Day, holding grassroots celebrations honoring February 1. Even though he went on a national speaking tour and worked with legislators to get the day recognized, he died in 1947, a year before National Freedom Day was signed into federal code.
The holiday proclamation was signed into law on June 30, 1948, by President Harry Truman, who issued an official proclamation on Jan. 25, 1949 establishing National Freedom Day on February 1. In the proclamation, Truman wrote:
Whereas the Government and people of the United States wholeheartedly support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948, which declares that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”:Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate February 1, 1949, and each succeeding February 1, as national Freedom Day; and I call upon the people of the United States to pause on that day in solemn contemplation of the glorious blessings of freedom which we humbly and thankfully enjoy.
You can read the official proclamation here: Proclamation 2824 – National Freedom Day
So on this day, please contemplate what “emancipation” and “freedom” would actually look and feel like to one who is enslaved. Then examine the cultural illusions, delusions, propaganda and desires you believe are real which enslave the minds of people around the world. “Emancipation from slavery” ultimately leads us to throw off the chains limiting our minds and hearts from experiencing all as One Life together.
Happy National Freedom Day!
Thank you!
ॐ Namasté - Blessings!
© 2008-2021 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved.
Crystal Of The Day!
Latest Articles
The Crystal Wind Oracle
Myth & Magic Card Deck!
Details Here!
NEW Expanded
Printed & Boxed!
Now with 58 cards!
Who is Online Now
We have 1470 guests and no members online
Featured This Month
Cartomancy - Fortune Telling Using Playing C…
Cartomancy is the act of divining using cards. Divining means to find out by... Read more
Sun in Pisces
Sun in Pisces February 22 through March 20 An Overview of Sun Sign Characte... Read more
The Ash Tree - February 18 - March 17
Celtic Symbol : The Trident Or Sea - Horse Zodiac Degrees : 28º00` Aquarius... Read more
Spring Equinox - Ostara
Celebrated on the Spring Equinox, around March 20-21 each year. Ostara is a... Read more
Birth Totem - Wolf
Birth Totem Wolf Birth dates: February 19 - March 20 Birth Totem: Wolf Cl... Read more
Crystal Gem: Grids and Gridding
What are Crystal Gem Grids? They are tools for empowerment, for blessings, ... Read more
The Folklore and Mythology Surrounding Crick…
Crickets "A Loud Cricket means Money is Coming" When it comes to Chine... Read more
Spring/Ostara 10 Minute Guided Meditation Fo…
Welcome to this 10 minute guided meditation to help welcome the Spring Equin... Read more
Pisces Mythology
The Mythology of Pisces By most accounts, the mythology of Pisces follows a... Read more
Spirit of White Tiger
Spirit of White Tiger Role: Seeker of Personal Truth Lesson: Power of Conv... Read more