Wreath-laying ceremony at Liberty Bell celebrates National Freedom Day

Saturday, January 31, 2026
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- February 1st marks National Freedom Day, recognizing Abraham Lincoln's 1865 signing of what became the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.

Each year, the National Freedom Day Association places a wreath at the Liberty Bell and shares what this moment in history means.

The National Freedom Day Association was formed in 1941 by Major Richard R. Wright Sr. The organization is focused on providing scholarships to high school students that can help them attend college.

As a holiday, February 1st was formally declared by President Harry S. Truman as National Freedom Day in 1949.

Watch the video above to see today's event at the Liberty Bell Center.

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