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Contact: Eileen Martinez, 808-422-2771 X 124
Joining the national effort to Let Freedom Ring on the July 4, six Pearl Harbor Survivors and seven active duty military personnel participated in the tolling of the historic bell of the USS Arizona Battleship. Held in honor of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence, visitors were treated to the resonant booming sound of the large bronze bell as they entered the park. Ringing the bell 13 times for the 13 original states at exactly 8:00 a.m. Hawaiian Time (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time,) the event was synchronized with over 10,000 bells nationwide, including the Liberty Bell.
Pearl Harbor Survivors, who also volunteer at the park, joined active duty military from the United States Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard to ring the historic bell. The bell is one of two bells removed from the USS Arizona and is preserved by the National Park Service. Its companion bell is housed in Tucson at the University of Arizona.
In 1963, an act of Congress officially authorized the Let Freedom Ring National Bell Ringing Ceremony. For more information or to participate call 1-800-330-1776 or visit www.let-freedom-ring.org. |
Last updated: March 1, 2015