Liberty Bell, How to Ring It

Several years ago I was visiting the city of Philadelphia and had the opportunity to see the Liberty Bell and even touch it. I don't know if I have ever felt more patriotic. When I think of our history and all the Bell represents it is really magical. America's struggle for freedom is never over. Not only did it need to be won, it must also be defended with relentless vigilance.

The following is some historical perspective on the Liberty Bell usahistory.org

"Inscribed on the Bell is the quotation from Leviticus 25:10 "....proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof..."

Though it was rang many times it's most resonant tolling was on July 8, 1776, when it summoned the citizenry for the reading of the Declaration of Independence produced by the Second Continental Congress."

But then it became silent

"There is widespread disagreement about when the first crack appeared on the Bell. Hair-line cracks on bells were bored out to prevent expansion. However, it is agreed that the final expansion of the crack which rendered the Bell unringable was on Washington's Birthday in 1846.

The Philadelphia Public Ledger takes up the story in its February 26, 1846 publication:

"The old Independence Bell rang its last clear note on Monday last in honor of the birthday of Washington and now hangs in the great city steeple irreparably cracked and dumb. It had been cracked before but was set in order of that day by having the edges of the fracture filed so as not to vibrate against each other ... It gave out clear notes and loud, and appeared to be in excellent condition until noon, when it received a sort of compound fracture in a zig-zag direction through one of its sides which put it completely out of tune and left it a mere wreck of what it was."

The Bell is silent.......... yet I hear it ring. I hear it ring each time citizens exercise their freedom in the polling both. I hear it ring every time the pledge of allegiance is said. I hear it ring every time the national anthem is sung. I hear it ring when our finest military men and women are shipped out for another mission. I hear it ring when the Sun rises to make it's journey over America the Beautiful. I hear it ring as the Sun sets on another day of freedom. Oh, I hear it when a new born baby citizen cries out freedom. Yes born to be free.

I am reminded of the song written by Lee Hays and Peter Seege "If I Had A Hammer." My favorite verse is the second stanza.

"If I had a bell

I'd ring it in the morning

I'd ring it in the evening

All over this land

I'd ring out danger

I'd ring out a warning

I'd ring out love between my brothers and my sisters

All over this land"

Well I don't have a bell but I do have a voice. And with all the strength of my heart I cry out Let Freedom Ring. As a citizen of the United States I cry out Let Freedom Ring. As a Christian with a firm faith in God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ I cry out Let Freedom Ring. And as a member of the human race and for the human race I cry out LET FREEDOM RING!!!

The Bell is not silent. "It is the Bell of Freedom" and may it ring each day in the hearts of everyone.