World Freedom Day is a federal holiday in the United States that falls on November 9 each year. This date marked a historic milestone in 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down. The wall divided families and communities for nearly three decades. Currently, it is remembered as the rise of democracy and freedom, and the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe.
World Freedom Day 2023 Date
World Freedom Day is an annual federal observation in the USA proclaimed by then-President George W. Bush to celebrate the demolition of the Berlin Wall that occurred on 9th November 1989. The day also commemorates the end of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe. Its celebration began in 2001 and is celebrated on November 9th every year. This year the day will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 9.
History of World Freedom Day
After the end of World War II, Germany was parted into East and West Germany. West Germany came under Americans, French and British while East Germany became the German Democratic Republic under Soviet rule. East Germany became an independent country in 1949 and Berlin became part of Soviet-occupied Germany.
The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989, preventing migration from East Berlin to West Berlin and into Western Europe. During the period nearly 5,000 people fled the Berlin Wall killing more than a hundred people in that process.
The hardline Communist leaders of East Germany were ousted from power in October 1989 as democratization swept across Eastern Europe. When the East German government opened its borders with West Germany and opened the Berlin Wall, thousands impatiently scaled the wall and pounded it with chisels and hammers. The Berlin Wall slowly cracked and eventually fell on November 9, 1989. A year later, Germany once again became a separate territory.
In 2001, 43rd U.S. President George Bush declared November 9th as World Freedom Day and since then it is a United States Federal holiday every president after George Bush has acknowledged November 9 as World Freedom Day.
World Freedom Day Celebrations
To observe this day, conservative youth groups like the Young America Foundation and the College Republicans urge students to mark this day which marks the beginning of "Freedom Week," (including Veterans Day) as a provocative "memorial of defeating communism." flyer through campaigns and activism projects.
Various conservative political commentators and activists use World Freedom Day to honor President Ronald Reagan, who they see as responsible for the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
How to Celebrate World Freedom Day?
There are several ways you can celebrate the day. Below we discuss 5 best ways to celebrate World Freedom Day –
1. Learn the history of the Berlin Wall
To celebrate this day, learn more about the history of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall. Below is a suggestion of the best documentaries that may help you out –
- Busting the Berlin Wall: Amazing Escape Stories
- After the Wall: A World United
- Modern Marvels: The Berlin Wall
2. Know your rights
While World Freedom Day marks an event in history, it’s important to know what freedom means and your rights. Many are unaware of their basic rights under the legal system, so it is important to raise awareness about them.
3. Join in a rally
Many student organizations and groups like Young America's Foundation organize rallies around the campaign to celebrate freedom and victory over communism. Check out one of the events and participate.
4. Use the #WorldFreedomDay tag
Share your thoughts and activities about World Freedom Day on social media and tag this day with #WorldFreedomDay.
5. Visit Berlin Wall
World Freedom Day is incomplete without knowing its background and therefore, plan to visit the Berlin Wall this year.
The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is open daily except for Mondays from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. The East Side Gallery, located in an open public space, is accessible at any time.
Significance / Importance of World Freedom Day
Just imagine the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Germans finally reunited with their loved ones after years of separation. They could walk around the country without fear of imprisonment or death. It was truly a proud day as the Berlin Wall was brought down and thus world freedom day bears great significance.
What is World Freedom Day?
World Freedom Day commemorates the historic fall of the Berlin Wall on 9th November 1989 which was built after World War II. The event proclaiming the day since 2001 has become the symbol of freedom in history, and World Freedom Day is dedicated to it.
Why do we celebrate World Freedom Day?
November 9 was made as World Freedom Day to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall after 28 years. Today, however, the focus is less on the Wall and more on what its collapse represented. That marked the end of communism in Eastern and Central Europe, everyone saw its salvation.
Interesting Facts about Berlin Wall
Know the 5 most asked facts about the Berlin Wall below –
Does the Berlin Wall still exist?
Segments of the Berlin Wall persist in modern Berlin, particularly in the Topography of Terror museum, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the East Side Gallery.
Why was the Berlin Wall built?
The German Democratic Republic built the Berlin Wall in 1961 during the Cold War to prevent its residents from fleeing from Soviet-controlled East Berlin to West Berlin, which was under the control of the main Western Allies. Berlin was divided into two distinct physical and ideological regions by the wall.
When did the Berlin Wall fall?
The wall between East and West Germany was opened on November 9, 1989, after an anti-government protest in East Germany and the democratization of other East and Central European countries. The Berlin Wall was eventually torn down in parts by the East German border guards and the reunited Berlin
How tall was the Berlin Wall?
The Berlin Wall was a barrier system that consisted of two walls. In its final form, the outer wall of the system is called the Vorderlandmauer, with a height of 11.5–13 feet (3.5–4 meters), and the inner wall, the Hinterlandmauer, with a height of 6.5–feet (2–3 meters).
What was the 'death strip'?
The “death strip” was the belt of earth covered in dirt or gravel between the two main defenses of the Berlin Wall. The town was under constant surveillance from watchtowers, who could shoot anyone who tried to escape.
Happy World Freedom Day 2023: Wishes, Messages, Greetings
Celebrated annually on November 9, World Freedom Day commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall. Share the deep meaning of freedom with these World Freedom Day wishes, messages, and greetings –
- There could be no other precious thing than freedom and so, it should always be treasured and cherished. Happy World Freedom Day!
- Freedom gives you the ability to breathe fresh air and live your life the way you want. Happy World Freedom Day!
- The real meaning of Freedom is not just about being born in a free nation but to freedom to think, act and live your life your way. Happy World Freedom Day!
- There were a lot of people who spent a lot of time in their lives struggling to find freedom and they knew the value of true freedom. Happy World Freedom Day!
- Fortunately, I was born in a free country and, fortunately, I didn’t see the colonial times. Happy World Freedom Day!
Happy World Freedom Day 2023: Status, Captions
The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of communism and being free to walk another und whole of Germany. Share your thoughts on social with these World Freedom Day status and captions –
- World Freedom Day reminds each of us that freedom is important and that it always comes with responsibility. Happy Freedom Day!
- Not being free is like having eyes without sight. We must never be deprived of our freedom. Happy World Freedom Day!
- Life is complete with a freedom which is something that adds beautiful colors to our lives. Wishing all a Happy World Freedom Day!
- Those who have not experienced freedom in their whole life know how important it is. Happy World Freedom Day to all.
- The colors of freedom are powerful enough to fill our lives with the colors of hope, joy, and prosperity. I wish everyone around a very happy Freedom Day around the world!
World Freedom Day 2023 SMS
Feel the freedom in your heart to conquer everything. Text these World Freedom Day short messages (SMS) to your loved ones and make them realize the true meaning of freedom –
- Freedom brings a lot of responsibilities and we have to be careful to maintain our freedom. Happy World Freedom Day!
- The freedom we enjoy today is the result of many sacrifices made by our citizens in the past. Happy World Freedom Day!
- Freedom has brought great possibilities and responsibilities for all of us.
- No matter how much love and care you get in a cage but nothing is more important than your freedom. Happy World Freedom Day!
- Without discipline direction and control, freedom means nothing.
Best Inspiring Freedom Quotes
Raise awareness among people of their rights and freedoms through these famous motivational freedom quotes –
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” — Nelson Mandela
“Freedom lies in being bold.” — Robert Frost
“For everything great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.” — Albert Einstein
“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” — George Washington
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy
“Our responsibility as citizens is to address the inequalities and injustices that linger, and we must secure our birthright freedoms for all people.“ — Barack Obama
“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” — William Faulkner
“I am no bird, and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.” — Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.” — Kahlil Gibran
World Freedom Day commemorates the historic fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9 each year which marked the end of communism in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989. After World War II, Germany was separated into East and West Germany through the wall for almost three decades and its fall made Germany and its people into a unique nation.