Did You Celebrate National Freedom Day?

When you visit 4Patriots.com, what is the first thing you notice?

It's probably our company's motto, just to the left of the 4Patriots logo. It reads: "We Champion Freedom and Self-Reliance." You've probably heard us mention that phrase many times.

This has been our mantra since day one. Our mission – to help you become more self-reliant – is something we take very seriously. It's baked into everything we do and say. And it's reflected in all of our products.

That's part of the reason we're so glad to celebrate National Freedom Day today.

Official Designation in 1948

This special day was first officially designated in 1949. Congress had passed a bill in 1947 to make February 1 National Freedom Day. And President Harry Truman signed it into law in the summer of 1948.

Why February 1? That was the 1865 date when President Abraham Lincoln signed a House and Senate resolution abolishing slavery. Later it was ratified as the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The 13th Amendment reads like this. "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States. Or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

Previously, Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation. To make it permanent, however, required a constitutional amendment.

'All Members of the Human Family'

Here's just a portion of the wording of the law signed by Truman in 1948.

"Whereas, near the end of the tragic conflict between the Northern and Southern States, the Congress adopted a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution which would outlaw slavery in the United States and in every place subject to its jurisdiction.

"Whereas that Amendment is a cornerstone in the foundation of our American traditions, and the signing of the resolution is a landmark in the Nation's effort to fulfill the principles of freedom and justice proclaimed in the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

"Whereas the Government and people of the United States wholeheartedly support… 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."

Wright Carries the Torch

Credited with the idea for National Freedom Day was Major Richard Robert Wright. He had been born into slavery and was freed following the Civil War.

Wright wore many hats. He was a military officer, educator and college president. Plus a politician, civil rights advocate and banking entrepreneur.

He was the highest-ranking African-American officer in the Spanish-American War. And the first to serve as a U.S. Army paymaster.

Wright invited national and local leaders to meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He wished to plan this day as an annual reminder of America's promise to grant freedom to everyone.

Ringing the Bell of Freedom

There have been many efforts through the centuries to ensure freedom for all Americans. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. As schoolchildren, most of us learned these words written by Thomas Jefferson.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights."

Four days later, the Liberty Bell chimed for the first time. From the tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Here's how the Bell's inscription reads. "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof."

In December 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified. These first 10 Amendments to the Constitution promised individual civil rights and liberties.

And in 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act. It prohibited the segregation of public and private spaces. And discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin or religion.

Still Celebrated Today

Americans still celebrate National Freedom Day. More than 170 years after its designation. A number of towns and cities hold festivals honoring the day.

A tradition for many years on February 1 has been the laying of a wreath at the Liberty Bell.

Some people choose to silently reflect on the freedoms we often take for granted in America. Thinking about our freedoms keeps us rooted in what is important about our country.

Those freedoms include speech and religion. This is an important part of what distinguishes America from many other countries.

Ways to Celebrate National Freedom Day

National Freedom Day is today. But there's no reason we can't celebrate our freedoms as Americans every day of the year.

We can express which freedoms we most appreciate on social media. And encourage friends and followers to do the same.

We can read a Civil War history or the biography of an individual who made it their life goal to champion freedom.

We could start a discussion group. And share ideas about how we can ensure the freedoms we possess are not taken away.

Whichever way we choose to celebrate National Freedom Day, appreciation is the key. I would encourage you to carry that spirit of thankfulness with you throughout the year.