As fireworks light up the sky, bells erupt in jubilant peal to celebrate the Declaration of Independence that established the United States of America. Cathedrals and churches, community organizations and historical structures, national parks and memorials, and people from sea to shining sea gather and contribute to the sound.
While bells resound overhead, friends and families enjoy barbecues, picnics, block parties, and parades in a profusion of red, white, and blue. In Washington, D.C., an annual concert streamed nationwide features celebrity artists performing both familiar hits and patriotic tunes.
When should bells ring on the Fourth of July?
Bells will ring nationwide at 2:00pm on July 4. By mandate of Congress, “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be performed at the Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carillon in Washington, D.C., followed by “America,” “America the Beautiful,” and a selection of patriotic melodies selected by the day’s carillonist.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed July 4 to be “National Bell Ringing Day” through U.S. Congressional Resolution Number 25, which denoted 2:00pm for nationwide bell ringing.
Cover image: A Kaiserslautern Military Community child rings a bell while riding a carnival attraction during Freedom Fest at the Enlisted Club parking lot on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on July 4, 2017. Carnival rides, games, and cotton candy stands were set up for Freedom Fest, Ramstein’s way of celebrating Independence Day. Courtesy: Senior Airman Devin Boyer, U.S. Air Force.*
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
