Just got back from a quick trip to Philadelphia. Do you go the extra mile to “see the sights” when you are in a new location? I do, In fact, we walked in 94 degree heat and 4 miles, iced tea in hand, to get there. So where was my common sense to take an Uber or a taxi? LOL We kept hearing that “it is a few more blocks.” You know how that goes, right?
Call me a re-tread to the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. I’ve taken a different tour every time and it never gets old.. Just never tire of hearing the story of our nation’s founding in the “cradle” of liberty. Destination this day was a return to the Liberty Bell. There’s so much information in that small building to see and learn. The crack in the Liberty Bell is of particular interest to visitors. I overheard some school children discussing “why the Liberty Bell was broke.” The Philadelphia Ledger reported on February 26, 1846, this version of why the bell was rendered “dumb” (silent):
“The old Independence Bell rang its last clear note on Monday last in honor of the birthday of Washington and now hangs in the great city steeple irreparably cracked and dumb. It had been cracked before but was set in order of that day by having the edges of the fracture filed so as not to vibrate against each other … It gave out clear notes and loud, and appeared to be in excellent condition until noon, when it received a sort of compound fracture in a zig-zag direction through one of its sides which put it completely out of tune and left it a mere wreck of what it was.”
What I found most interesting is the inscription on the Liberty Bell “…proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof..” (Leviticus 25:10) I noticed once again how this important American symbol represents the cause of oppressed people. There are several monitors that tell the story not only of the infant American nation seeking freedom, but of American slaves as well.
Let freedom ring. That’s Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. ??