It’s officially Freedom Week (a term I’ve coined myself but you’re welcome to steal it) and one of the most beautiful celebrations for America’s 250th Independence anniversary will soon be underway.
Historically, communities in the United States have celebrated major Independence milestones like the Centennial and the Bicentennial by ringing their church and town center bells in a tradition that dates back to the initial reading of the Declaration of Independence at our nation’s founding. The ringing of bells has served as a national reminder of the birth of our nation ever since.
In 1876, the Centennial Bell was cast and installed. It weighs 13,000 pounds in commemoration of the 13 colonies and is laden with American iconography and Christian text. The Centennial Bell replaced the Liberty Bell in Liberty Hall after it suffered its iconic crack.
In 1976, the British gifted the U.S. the Bicentennial Bell to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the nation. The Bell was presented by Queen Elizabeth II on July 6 and boasted an inscription of “Let Freedom Ring.” Just two days before, President Gerald R. Ford led the Ringing of the Bells celebration on the deck of America’s first supercarrier, the USS Forrestal.
The same celebration that Americans have taken part in for centuries will begin again on Saturday. At 2:50 ET, churches, national monuments, schools, and city halls will all toll their bells to celebrate the birth of our nation. The America250 Commission organized has released a guide on how you can participate. Any local facility with bells is likely participating in the festivities, but you may want to call to make sure.
Happy birthday, America. Let freedom ring.