The Liberty Bell Cracks
 Did you know the Liberty Bell rang to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. On the bell is the partial inscription: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof". Do you know how it cracked the first time ... or the next time?Commissioning The Liberty Bell Originally cast in London in 1752, the Liberty Bell was purchased for the Pennsylvania State House to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges. The Charter was Pennsylvania's original Constitution that describes the rights and freedoms valued by people the world over; including Penn's views on religious freedom, his liberal stance on Native American rights, and his inclusion of citizens in enacting laws. The bell was first hung in the tower of Independence Hall. The Symbolisms of The Liberty Bell The Liberty Bell was later removed to Zion's Reformed Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania for a short period of time … the British troops had captured Philadelphia during the fight for independence. The Liberty Bell became a symbol of unity when the Civil War ended in 1865 and traveled across the land in an attempt to promote healing in the war-torn nation. The Liberty Bell cracked on its first strike!  There are some interesting versions of how and when the cracks first appeared. The original Liberty Bell cracked upon its first strike. So it was broken down and recast. It is thought to have cracked again sometime before 1846. It is agreed that the final expansion of the crack which rendered the Liberty Bell unringable was on Washington's Birthday in 1846. It's still a question as to when the Liberty Bell actually cracked. There are different versions:
 The Liberty Bell is America's symbol of liberty and freedom Today the bell resides in the Liberty Bell Pavilion in Philadelphia where it may be seen and admired by the public. In spite of its cracks, and though some claim that we are becoming a fractured nation, the Liberty Bell remains the symbol of freedom, liberty ... and hope for all its people.
Copyright 2009 |
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