Ridgefield to Celebrate ‘Let Freedom Ring’ on Fourth of July
On this Fourth of July, Ridgefield will be celebrating Let Freedom Ring, a long-standing tradition in which local churches, institutions, and individuals ring their bells 13 times at 2:00pm to celebrate our freedom and independence.
From Ridgebury to Branchville, the triumphant sound of ringing bells will fill the air of the town, a melodic reminder of our liberty and good fortune.
The tradition was made official in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed July 4 to be “National Bell Ringing Day” through U.S. Congressional Resolution Number 25, where all across the nation Americans would ring bells to celebrate freedom and patriotism, as the founding fathers would have done when the Revolutionary War was won in 1781. Historic sites like the Liberty Bell, many National Parks, Pearl Harbor, and the Alamo have participated in this event, and locally the Norwalk Historical Society has hosted this event in the past.
Typically, bells are rung 13 times at 2pm, representing the 13 colonies that fought for freedom and independence in 1776. Churches, civic buildings, businesses, and other locations with bells are encouraged to ring them, and groups such as scout troops or really anyone with a handheld bell can participate in the event. The bells can be heard all across town and allow people to celebrate and appreciate the freedoms we’ve had for over 200 years.
Stay tuned for a list of participating organizations. If you would like to join the list or learn more, contact us at [email protected].
