And the Bells Toll...Let freedom ring!

Today's History Lesson

On July 4th every year celebration abounds with all its fanfare in recognition of Independence Day. On that day in 1776, America's independence from the British was declared and the Declaration of Independence sent to the printer. But, is that all there is to the story?

This Day in History: July 8, 1776

 The Liberty Bell in Historic Philadelphia Credit: GPTMC

Now, four days later, tradition tells of a chime, actually chimes, that changed the world on July 8, 1776. Throughout Philadelphia, bells were rung all day proclaiming celebration. While there is no contemporary account of the Liberty Bell ringing, most historians believe it was one of the bells rung. The atmosphere may have been serene just prior to the ringing but serenity would no longer be part of the picture as the bells summoned the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon outside the State House (now Independence Hall).

And the Bells Toll...Let Freedom Ring!

  
From then...

After July fourth when democracy was born
America became the land of the free
Battles won solidified the home of the brave



Thousands of lives, both young and old
Will long be remembered and revered
As they lie silent in the grave

But silence is not what was heard
Throughout this nation and the world
It was the bells chiming that roared



The lasting rights and freedoms
Valued by people the world over
Throughout America soared

 Excerpted from Awakenings
Sharla Lee Shults

'Til now...

All across America & beyond people join together in celebration of the Fourth of July. How many do you suppose know of the importance of the immediate days that followed? Where does the significance lie...the fact that independence was declared or the facts documented as rights in the declaration of independence?