National Freedom Day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865 by President Lincoln. The idea to celebrate the holiday came from Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., who was a former slave. He organized a group of leaders to write a bill for a national holiday that would celebrate freedom for all Americans, the holiday would take place on February 1. It was first commemorated on February 1, 1942, although it was not an official holiday yet. On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed the bill. Every year on this day, a wreath is laid at the Liberty Bell in celebration.