Walking on streets that have echoed the weighty footballs of such notables
as ben Franklin and George Washington Philadelphians tand to take their
history for granted But for a short time on an April afternoon, the city
held its collective breath as it waited to hear is an attack by a hammer -
wielding visitor caused anymore permanent damage to our beloved Liberty
Bell. That's the way it is with this icon of U.S. independence even the
least patriotic among as has a soft spot for it. Visiting the Liberty Bell
in its glass enclosed shrine, locals can't help but puff ou a bit at the
prospect of living in the city entrusted with its care. Tourists, too feel
the pull of patriostism as they listen to park rangers relate the story of
the bell.And kids most of them too young to understand what all the fuss is
about huddle in su bdued excitement, longing to touch the cold iron. The
bell, which weighs more than 2000 pounds, was originally east in 1752 and
recast in 1753. It cracked the first time it was rung, the last time its
peal was heard was on Washington's birthday in 1846. The bell might have
been silenced then, but there's no doubt that it still echoes the voices of
history and resonates with the clear, sweet tone of Freedom.
Market Street between Fifth & Sixth streets,
Philadelphia,
PA 19106 215 - 597 - 8974
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