National Freedom Day Marked with Wreath-Laying at Liberty Bell

Annual ceremony honors Abraham Lincoln's signing of the 13th Amendment

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:31pm

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Each year, the National Freedom Day Association returns to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to place a wreath and commemorate National Freedom Day, which recognizes Abraham Lincoln's 1865 signing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery. The organization was founded in 1941 by Major Richard R. Wright Sr. and focuses on providing scholarships to help high school students attend college.

Why it matters

National Freedom Day is an important annual observance that recognizes the hard-fought struggle for freedom and equality in the United States. The wreath-laying ceremony at the iconic Liberty Bell serves as a symbolic reminder of the progress made, while also highlighting ongoing efforts to expand opportunity and access for all.

The details

The National Freedom Day Association has held this wreath-laying ceremony at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia each year since the holiday was formally declared by President Harry S. Truman in 1949. The event features remarks from organizers about the significance of the day and Lincoln's historic signing of the 13th Amendment.

  • National Freedom Day is observed annually on February 1st.
  • The 13th Amendment was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
  • The National Freedom Day Association was founded in 1941.

The players

National Freedom Day Association

A nonprofit organization founded in 1941 that is focused on providing scholarships to help high school students attend college and commemorating National Freedom Day.

Major Richard R. Wright Sr.

The founder of the National Freedom Day Association in 1941.

President Harry S. Truman

The U.S. president who formally declared February 1st as National Freedom Day in 1949.

President Abraham Lincoln

The U.S. president who signed the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery.

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What’s next

The National Freedom Day Association will continue its annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia on February 1, 2027.

The takeaway

National Freedom Day serves as an important annual reminder of the hard-fought struggle for freedom and equality in the United States, and the ongoing work to expand opportunity and access for all. The wreath-laying ceremony at the iconic Liberty Bell is a symbolic gesture that honors this history and inspires continued progress.