Ripton Parish Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. members wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. This July 4th celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred fifty years ago, in Philadelphia, the members of the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. The signers from Connecticut were Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, and Oliver Wolcott.
The Liberty Bell had always played an important role in American history, and the tolling of the bell called the people of Philadelphia together to hear the first reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. The citizens heard the words “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The Ripton Parish militia heard those words the next day on July 9, 1776. They were part of a larger group of soldiers who marched to New York City to prepare for battle with the British. The militia was stationed near the Bowery and could see the many British ships near Staten Island preparing to invade New York City in a short time. For this reason, our militia was in the city on July 9, 1776 when General George Washington had the Declaration read to his assembled troops. The reading of the Declaration had a profound impact on those who heard it. They began to realize the fight for freedom was not just one colony’s fight, but a unified fight by all thirteen colonies for freedom.
The Liberty Bell holds an important place in American history. It was constructed for the 50th Anniversary of Pennsylvania’s original constitution and was hung from the State House (now Independence Hall) steeple in June 1753. The bell was rung to summon people for special announcements and events and to call the Pennsylvania Assembly together. In 1765 it was rung to call the people together to discuss the Stamp Act and in April 1776 it was rung to announce the Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.
In the Fall of 1777, it was hidden to prevent the British from removing it to melt it down to make cannons. In 1781 it was returned to Philadelphia, which served as the United States Capital from 1790-1800. The Liberty Bell tolled annually to celebrate George Washington’s birthday on February 22 and on the 4th of July. We no longer ring the Liberty Bell today because it was cracked while ringing in celebration of George Washington’s birthday in February 1846. Over the years, the bell symbolized pride in the new nation and became a rallying cry for liberty for abolitionists, suffragettes, and the civil rights movement.
The Liberty Bell bears a timeless message: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”. The Declaration of Independence echoes this wisdom and Ripton Parish Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. thanks all our Service men and women and our First Responders who give of themselves selflessly to defend our Nation so that we can enjoy our Fourth of July. God Bless America.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is dedicated to promoting History Preservation, Education and Patriotism. DAR members are women who come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of interests. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove direct lineage to a Revolutionary War ancestor is eligible to join. For more information, visit https://www.dar.org/ For information on Ripton Parish Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. visit https://riptonparishchapter.org/
To learn more about America250! Visit https://www.dar.org/national-society/america-250/america250-foundation-partner