Context clues and holidays

This morning as I sat planning our social study lessons (aka- looking into upcoming holidays) I came across this picture.



It is listed here with this caption: President Harry Truman signs the bill proclaiming February 1 as National Freedom Day, June 30, 1948

Ah, do you see how I ended up looking at this picture?

National Freedom Day

That got my attention and I had not heard of it before. But, what is it? Well, given the picture I was able to make some guesses. (Note to self- keep this pic for context clues lesson.)

So, what about this holiday? I found some information about it here.

It's National Freedom Day. The purpose of this holiday is to promote good feelings, harmony, and equal opportunity among all citizens and to remember that the United States is a nation dedicated to the ideal of freedom.

Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, fought to have a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. When Wright got his freedom, he went on to become a successful businessman and community leader in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Major Wright chose February 1 as National Freedom Day because it was the day in 1865 that President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

I LOVE the idea of National Freedom Day. Have I been living under a rock? Okay, I admit... I don't own a TV. But, wouldn't I have at least seen the National Freedom Day Sale at my local store? *grin*