In celebration of National Freedom Day, the United States honors the courage, resolve, and hope exerted by those whose pursuit of freedom was and continues to be unflagging. We look to their example as a guide to creating a world that opens the doors of freedom to every person and fulfills the promise made 145 years ago today.
This day marks the anniversary of President Lincoln’s sending to the States for ratification the 13th
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which promised freedom from slavery and involuntary servitude. In commemorating this day, we honor the sacrifices of those who lived and died in chattel slavery, those who fought to end it, and those who have worked in the decades since for a country free from involuntary servitude.
The United States recommits itself today to pursue a world without modern slavery by utilizing every means necessary to shine a brighter light on this heinous crime, thereby ensuring the protection of victims, the prevention of future occurrences, and the prosecution of traffickers.
With the culmination of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the United States commits to building on global partnerships and to working across borders and barriers to realize the progress and potential of a slave-free world. We will work to ensure that every man, woman, and child, with no preference to national origin or standing in society, may pursue the greatest human right of all: freedom.
Ambassador Luis CdeBaca
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, U.S. Department of State
Senior Advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton