World Freedom Day

World Freedom Day – November 9, 2021

World Freedom Day is a federal holiday observed on November 9. On this day 22 years ago, the momentous event in history when the Berlin Wall was abolished took place. The wall separated families and communities for almost three decades. Today, it marks the rise of democracy and freedom, and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

HISTORY OF WORLD FREEDOM DAY

World Freedom Day was created to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall post-World War II. But today it is not so much about the Wall but more about what its falling represented. It marked the end of communism throughout Eastern and Central Europe, ensuring liberty to all. The holiday was established as a federal observance in 2001 by President George W. Bush.

After World War II ended, Germany was divided into East and West Germany. West Germany was occupied by the Americans, French, and the British and East Germany became the Soviet-occupied German Democratic Republic. East Germany gained status as an independent country in 1949 and the city of Berlin became a part of Soviet-controlled Germany.

A wall was created to prevent the immigration of people from East Berlin to West Berlin and the rest of Western Europe. From 1961 to 1989, an estimated 5,000 people escaped over the Berlin Wall. More than 100 people were killed in the process. In 1989, travel restrictions became lenient in East Germany, leading to thousands of people impatiently climbing the wall and hitting the wall with chisels and hammers. The Berlin Wall was chipped away bit by bit and eventually came down on 9 November 1989. One year later, Germany became a single territory again.

When is World Freedom Day?

World Freedom Day is celebrated on November 9 every year.

Why is World Freedom Day celebrated?

World Freedom Day commemorates the historical falling of the Berlin Wall after World War II. The event became a symbol of freedom in history, and World Freedom Day is dedicated to it.

What is the World Press Freedom Day theme in 2021?

The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2021 is “Information as a Public Good.”

WHY WORLD FREEDOM DAY IS IMPORTANT ?

Freedom is still threatened

Unfortunately, freedom is still under threat today. Many seek power and control over entire nations, inciting violence and manipulating economic sectors. Motive-driven tyrants exist and World Freedom Day recognizes the need to ensure freedom for everyone.

Learning from history

History serves as a lesson and reminder for us all. By learning about the Cold War and the formation of the Berlin Wall, we can create the policies and reforms necessary to prevent such barriers to freedom from ever happening again.

Freedom is fundamental

It goes without saying, but reminders are needed sometimes to reiterate the obvious. Freedom is a fundamental right, and everyone is deserving of it.