Moved By the Bell: Winners and Runners Up

What the Liberty Bell means to you.

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Winners

The liberty bell symbolizes freedom for America. It represents political, religious, and personal freedoms. This is what it means to me. I have an African-American friend and I am white-skinned. If we didn't have freedom to go to school together, I wouldn't even know her! In fact, in my school, we have all different color-skinned people, even relatives of Native-Americans! Also, there are different types of families, like ones with two dads, or two moms, or only grandparents. Do not forget different religions like Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. All together we are equal and we let freedom ring... in "E- flat"!!
- Dina Sophie Zaret, 9, Wyncote Elementary School, Elkins Park, PA

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The Liberty Bell is a significant symbol of this country's freedom. It's a shame to think that most citizens of this country take freedom for granted. Rarely do they think about the rights they receive as United States citizens. Basic things such as freedom of speech, power to elect leaders, and ownership of self-owned businesses, are all privileges that others around the world aren't entitled to.

I am grateful for the independence our forefathers have bestowed us, and having the Liberty Bell here in my own city, reminds me that without freedom, I wouldn't have the full potential to succeed.
- Elton-John Torres, 16, Frankford High School, Philadelphia, PA

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Like the dinner bell on the farm, the Liberty Bell calls me in for a respite. It nourishes my soul and replenishes me. Without it, I'm not sure what would sustain me. It abates my pessimism and quiets my cynicism. Like anyone else, I have doubts about our government and misgivings about Americans, but the Liberty bell and everything it represents assuages my fears. Mostly it represents America. Imperfect in design and in execution, we are always striving to be better. The liberty bell encourages my patriotism and makes me proud to call myself an American.
- Matthew Straiton, 34, Bensalem, PA

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Liberty is within us all. We have the right and freedom to our choices and actions. The word liberty is here to remind us about the benefit that we have. We are lucky to have freedom because in some countries people are not allowed to do as they will. They have to follow the rules or demands of the ruler or master. Some of the freedoms we have are limited. We have to follow laws that are passed. If we don't then we have to pay for the choices we've made. Liberty is good but comes with responsibilities.
- Thanh Kim Nguyen, 16, Frankford High School, Philadelphia, PA

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The Liberty Bell is the visible symbol of an invisible pride felt in the hearts and minds of those who love this country. It is a reminder of trials past, conflicts present, and a future yet to come. The Bell is representative of my freedom. In small measure, I am part of its history, as it is part of mine. I view the Liberty Bell with a smile on my face and tug at my heart, knowing that it will survive long after I am gone. For a life blessed with freedom, I am truly grateful.
- Harriet Koenig, 63, Bensalem, PA

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Runners Up

Carved into one of our nations greatest symbols: Proclaim liberty through out the land and all the inhabitants there of. The Liberty Bell stands strong here in Philadelphia, its home for over 200 years. When I see the Liberty Bell, I see our past and future. Once I got to touch our Bell. My hand touched sorrow, and pain. I felt courage and strength too. When I see all the people visiting it I feel like time has stopped. It feels like I know everyone and every one knows me. That is how the Liberty Bell makes me feel.
- Kelly Dietrich, 11, Round Meadow Elementary School Hatboro, PA

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To many people the Liberty Bell represents different things. It represents freedom, history, and our rights as Americans. For me, the Bell provides the sense of strength. Our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, an enduring symbol of our freedom. The Liberty Bell also represents independence. It provides hope for our future that many generations may live in a just world. People say America is like a puzzle, each person a different piece, all making up one big picture. To me the Liberty Bell is the "glue" reminding us of what was, what is, and what may be.
- Penny Nickles, age 13. Rosemont School of the Holy Child, Rosemont, PA

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Church bells ringing, children singing . . . bells toll the hour of a special event. Our Liberty Bell once told colonists that it was time for independence, and later tolled for the freedom of slaves. But for me, neither a colonist nor a former slave, it tolls for more modern special times.

When I think about that big, brass Liberty Bell, I think of the word liberty, and the special times in my life when I feel especially free. I love to debate and speak my opinions in my class. I have the courage to say unpopular things about abortion, or about who would be the best president, or about open space. I don't even care if 97% of my class disagrees with me. I feel free at these times.

The Bell also makes me think of special times with my family in Philadelphia. We enjoy the pretty peacefulness of the historical district but also the great restaurants, fountains and museums. The Bell is a tangible reminder of all the beauty of the city. We went to visit the Liberty Bell this summer with our friends from France, and felt proud of the importance of Philadelphia and the Unites States.

The Liberty Bell cracked and imperfect like all beautiful things cannot ring the hour. But it still calls us to special times.
- Meghan Ross, 13, Indian Crest Jr. High School, 8th grade, Schwenksville, PA

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Our days are ruled by bells. They wake us and call us to school, work, or worship. Bells open and close our financial markets. They clang for emergencies and toll for marriages and deaths. They are the heralds of our daily lives, ringing in the good and the bad. So it is remarkable that a bell not heard could have such meaning. In it's silence, it speaks to us of all that we treasure. With it's weathered surface and notorious crack, the Liberty Bell is a symbol of us all - imperfect Americans struggling to do right in the world.
- Jennifer Malme, 33, Vineland, NJ

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My brother who visits the United States once in a while was able to bring his family this time when he was attending a medical convention in New Orleans last September. Before returning to Korea they came to see me and my family. They have two children who were anxious to see Philadelphia all along. They learned about Philadelphia and the birth of a great nation who proclaimed the liberty throughout the whole world. I become a guide for Philadelphia area, Valley Forge and even east coast whenever we have guests from Korea. I explain to them how privileged I am living in America. I experience and appreciate the liberty and freedom which many people in the world only can dream of or long for.

I told my nephew and niece how fortunate they were who could visit America. I showed them the Atlas of the world and explained how big America was. Most of all, I explained how America started and became the great nation, history of Philadelphia and the significance of the Liberty Bell. These two children managed to squeeze through the crowd into the front of the Liberty Bell during our visit to the historical Independence Hall.

Before I asked them to turn around to take a picture, I was so moved by the expression of their proud and honored spirit that I had to capture it into the camera. Children are our future. They someday will be a part of great future with liberty and freedom and of course future with other expectations. I could read their expression when I had it developed. They are saying, "We are so inspired and honored at this moment as visitors to be part of the United States of America."

The Liberty Bell symbolizes and means to me, "Freedom, Love and Peace" and for others. My country, United States America has it more than any country in the world. I am proud of the Liberty Bell and the United States of America. God bless them both!
- Jung Ja Shin, 60, Malvern, PA

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To me, an African-American woman, the Liberty Bell means freedom, patriotism, my family past, present and future. Born in Philadelphia, I always took my two children to see the Bell at least three times a year. We always were extra patriotic although sometimes our friends laughed at us because we were Black. When my children grew up my son and the whole family was delighted when he found out that he was asked to introduce the Bell to visitors from all over the country. And so, they recorded his voice and he welcomed all to Philadelphia and the Bell people from all over the world. He has since passed away at a very young age, but will be remembered by this greeting. We hope that they will continue his greeting in its new home. Jack Jones had the privilege of being the greeter to the persons of the world and we will always be proud.
- Grace C. Jones, Philadelphia

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