February 1st, 2012 by Tamara Krause

Each year, America recognizes February 1st as National Freedom Day. We honor Abraham Lincoln who signed a joint resolution in 1865 that proposed the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution, effectively outlawing slavery. The first commemoration of this historic moment took place in 1942, but National Freedom Day wasn’t formally, nationally recognized until President Harry Truman signed a bill to do so in 1948. While most Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day, it’s unusual to find many people holding celebrations in honor of National Freedom Day – unless you look to academic communities.
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