World Freedom Day
When is World Freedom Day? This holiday is always observed on November 9
World Freedom Day is a U.S. federal observance, marking the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall was known as the “Iron Curtain”. This special November 9 holiday also commemorates the end of communism in Eastern and Central Europe. The Berlin Wall was very much a symbol of communism and the lack of basic freedoms. The Berlin Wall separated communist East Berlin from West Berlin, keeping apart family and friends from each other in their own city! Can you imagine not having the freedom to go where you pleased?
In the late 1980s, communism was weakening in Europe. The communist grip on many countries was slowly failing, and democracy was returning to several eastern European countries. In 1989, after weeks and months of unrest, the communist government of East Germany finally relented. On November 8, 1989, they announced that East German citizens could freely visit West Berlin and West Germany, throwing open the Berlin Wall. People responded with joyous victory celebration at the wall. Many people chipped away pieces of the wall as souvenirs. Demolition of the wall began in December 1989. It was completed in 1990.
As Americans, we seldom take the time to consider just what freedom is or to appreciate that we live in a country where we are indeed free. Unlike millions of people in many other countries, we tend to take freedom for granted. Communist countries and dictatorial regimes all repress even some of the most basic freedoms. Can you imagine the thought of speaking your mind in any way against one of these forms of government? It can have dire and even fatal consequences.
Happy World Freedom Day!!
How to Celebrate World Freedom Day
We encourage people around the world to celebrate freedom on this day. Take a few moments to reflect upon and appreciate the freedoms that you have. Importantly, reflect upon those people in our history, who fought and gave their lives for the freedoms we have.
- Celebrate your own personal freedom.
- Support efforts to free others, wherever and whenever possible.
- Read about the Iron Curtain and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Read a book about the American Revolutionary War.
Today's Quote
“Give me liberty or give me death.” – – in a speech by Patrick Henry
History and Origin of World Freedom Day
In 2001, President George W. Bush proclaimed November 9th to be World Freedom Day. President Barak Obama repeated this proclamation in 2016. In 2017, President Donald Trump also declared November 9th to be World Freedom Day.
More November 9 Holidays
Here is another November 9 holiday we’re sure you will enjoy.
Chaos Never Dies Day – you’ve got that right
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Pumpkin Chip Muffins
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any November calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
Holiday Insights, where every day in November is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. November holidays are no exception. Consequently., at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.