'Let Freedom Ring' Day
State Senator Connie Williams of Montgomery County has sponsored a Senate Resolution observing July 4th as Let Freedom Ring Day.
Here are her Senate Floor remarks on the resolution:
The history of our nation is one of hard work, versatility and tenacity. Over the years, the people of the United States have come together under the one great symbol of our freedom and independence – the United States flag.
Since 2001, July 4th has taken on even greater meaning in the hearts and minds of Americans and of Pennsylvanians, as we send our prayers and well wishes to those who are defending and protecting our country on foreign soil.
On July 4th, 2008, Pennsylvanians can do something, which on its own appears seemingly insignificant, but in concert will become a symphony – ring a bell.
Today, I ask you to support a resolution to observe July 4, 2008, as the 40th anniversary of “Let Freedom Ring Day” in Pennsylvania, and to encourage every Pennsylvanian to participate in the National Bell Ringing Ceremony that will occur that day.
Bell ringing announced our Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia at the Liberty Bell. Congress established the national bell ringing ceremony in 1963 to remind Americans of the bravery, courage, commitment and wisdom of the men and women who fought to create and preserve this nation. The Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution now sponsors the “Let Freedom Ring” National Bell Ringing Ceremony each year on July 4th.
All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to participate by ringing a bell 13 times at 2 p.m. on July 4th to observe the meaning and spirit of Independence Day.
Those who participate will not be alone, in fact bells this year will be rung at thousands of locations around the country, including Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where eight children who are direct descendants of the Signer will gently tap the Liberty Bell 13 times to honor the sacrifices of the Patriots that secured our freedom.
In all, 800 satellite ceremonies, thousands of bell sites and more than 10,000 individuals will be involved in this year's 40th anniversary. At the Betsy Ross House, 13 children will be sworn in as new citizens, and then, together with children from the Children of the American Revolution, will ring a bell. The bell will ring at the USS Arizona Memorial, on the USS Missouri and at the Alamo in San Antonio.
In the Philadelphia area, bells will be rung at Christ Church, and St. Peters. Bells will be rung at churches, synagogues, government buildings and carillons across the Commonwealth and around the country.
We fought long and hard to establish independence, and we must continue our vigilance to ensure those freedoms continue. To observe the meaning and spirit of Independence Day, I encourage every Pennsylvanian to ring a bell 13 times at 2 p.m. on July 4th, and I ask for your support of the resolution declaring July 4th as “Let Freedom Ring” Day in Pennsylvania.
Here are her Senate Floor remarks on the resolution:
The history of our nation is one of hard work, versatility and tenacity. Over the years, the people of the United States have come together under the one great symbol of our freedom and independence – the United States flag.
Since 2001, July 4th has taken on even greater meaning in the hearts and minds of Americans and of Pennsylvanians, as we send our prayers and well wishes to those who are defending and protecting our country on foreign soil.
On July 4th, 2008, Pennsylvanians can do something, which on its own appears seemingly insignificant, but in concert will become a symphony – ring a bell.
Today, I ask you to support a resolution to observe July 4, 2008, as the 40th anniversary of “Let Freedom Ring Day” in Pennsylvania, and to encourage every Pennsylvanian to participate in the National Bell Ringing Ceremony that will occur that day.
Bell ringing announced our Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia at the Liberty Bell. Congress established the national bell ringing ceremony in 1963 to remind Americans of the bravery, courage, commitment and wisdom of the men and women who fought to create and preserve this nation. The Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution now sponsors the “Let Freedom Ring” National Bell Ringing Ceremony each year on July 4th.
All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to participate by ringing a bell 13 times at 2 p.m. on July 4th to observe the meaning and spirit of Independence Day.
Those who participate will not be alone, in fact bells this year will be rung at thousands of locations around the country, including Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where eight children who are direct descendants of the Signer will gently tap the Liberty Bell 13 times to honor the sacrifices of the Patriots that secured our freedom.
In all, 800 satellite ceremonies, thousands of bell sites and more than 10,000 individuals will be involved in this year's 40th anniversary. At the Betsy Ross House, 13 children will be sworn in as new citizens, and then, together with children from the Children of the American Revolution, will ring a bell. The bell will ring at the USS Arizona Memorial, on the USS Missouri and at the Alamo in San Antonio.
In the Philadelphia area, bells will be rung at Christ Church, and St. Peters. Bells will be rung at churches, synagogues, government buildings and carillons across the Commonwealth and around the country.
We fought long and hard to establish independence, and we must continue our vigilance to ensure those freedoms continue. To observe the meaning and spirit of Independence Day, I encourage every Pennsylvanian to ring a bell 13 times at 2 p.m. on July 4th, and I ask for your support of the resolution declaring July 4th as “Let Freedom Ring” Day in Pennsylvania.
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