WILLIAMS’ RESOLUTION DECLARES JULY 4 AS “LET FREEDOM RING DAY”

HARRISBURG, July 1, 2003 - - State Senator Connie Williams yesterday introduced a resolution designating July 4, 2003 as “Let Freedom Ring Day” and encouraged all Pennsylvanians to participate in the National Bell Ringing Ceremony that will occur on that day. Her resolution received unanimous consent of the Senate.

“With our July 4 picnics, fireworks and parades, it is sometimes too easy to forget the fundamental principles underlying the celebration,” Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) said.

The ”Let Freedom Ring” National Bell Ringing Ceremony was established to remind Americans of the bravery, courage, commitment and wisdom of the men and women who fought to create and preserve this nation.

Bell ringing announced our Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia at the Liberty Bell, and the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution now sponsors the “Let Freedom Ring” National Bell Ringing Ceremony each year on July 4. 

“All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to ring a bell 13 times at 2 p.m. on July 4 to observe the meaning and spirit of Independence Day,” Williams said.

Participating bells this year are being rung at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., The USS Constitution in Boston, Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historic Park, on all commissioned ships of the United States Navy and at churches, synagogues, government buildings and carillons across the county.