Members of the William Whitley Chapter of DAR and the Charles Gatliff Chapter of SAR attending Let Freedom Ring at University of the Cumberlands on July 4.

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — University of the Cumberlands hosted the 6th annual July 4 “Let Freedom Ring” program in Patriot Park on campus, jointly sponsored by the Charles Gatliff Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the William Whitley Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The program featured the ringing of the university‘s replica of the Liberty Bell at 2:00 p.m. At that precise time, thousands of bells all across America were also rung to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and to honor all those who have sacrificed so much to create and sustain the United States of America.

James B. Strohmeier, president of the Kentucky Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (KYSSAR) addressed the audience of approximately fifty people and reminded them that it is always the challenge of each generation to pass on to the next generation the history of how our great nation came to be and the sacrifices of our forbearers. “It is important, lest we forget,” said Strohmeier, as he talked about several important events surrounding and leading up to the establishment of the United States.

Wes Breedlove assists Dr. Michael Colegrove, vice president of Student Services at University of the Cumberlands and president of the Charles Gatliff Chapter, KYSSAR, in ringing the replica of the Liberty Bell in Patriot Park on Cumberlands’ campus. Breedlove attended the Let Freedom Ring celebration with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Jones.

Locally observed since 2005, the Let Freedom Ring National Bell Ringing Ceremony is a nationwide celebration established by a 1963 act of Congress. In accordance with U.S. Congressional Resolution Number 25, on July 4, bells across the country are rung 13 times at exactly 2 p.m. (EDST), in honor of the 13 original states represented by the signers of the Declaration of Independence.