Liberty Bells: Let Freedom Ring!

The Founders anticipated that their countrymen and their descendants could commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence with reverence and enthusiasm. The Fourth of July stands as the nation's most important, and beloved, secular holiday.

From time to time good citizens fear the Fourth might be losing its luster. In 1950, the secretary of the Treasury ordered that replicas of the Liberty Bell be cast and distributed to the states. The bell designated for Virginia followed a circuitous path before ending up at a Charlottesville firehouse, where it remains, a noble symbol of self-evident truths.

In 1963, Congress passed a resolution urging that throughout the land bells be rung at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Eastern Daylight Time, to mark independence's original peal. The practice has not become a custom. It should.

Wm. Poindexter Moore and Ken Wallenborn are striving to "rekindle" the tradition in Charlottesville. They have asked the local chapter of the Boy Scouts to promote the ringing of bells. This is a project worthy of celebration not only in Charlottesville but in Richmond and in communities nationwide. Economic difficulties are compelling jurisdictions to cut back their July Fourth fireworks and festitivies. A bell-ringing would be not only dignified but affordable.

Israelis mark their country's rebirth with a moment of silence. Everything stops. It would soothe the Founders' shades if patriots in all ages expressed similar sentiments. A national pause for silence followed by the ringing of bells would sing freedom's sweet song.