Moved By the Bell

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It's a bronze bell with a whopper of a following. We always knew that, and more than 350 essayists confirmed that fact for us once again.

What's been said and written? Click on the names of the winners and the runners up to read the full essays. Or, watch a short video. Here of just a few of the highlights.

Dina Sophie Zaret, the nine-year-old fourth grader from the Wyncote Elementary School in Elkins Park, wrote: "The liberty bell symbolizes freedom. It represents political, religious, and personal freedoms. ... In my school," writes Dina, "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"!"

Elton-John Torres of Frankford High School, wrote that "it's a shame to think that most citizens of this country take freedom for granted. _ 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. _ having the Liberty Bell here in my own city, reminds me that without freedom, I wouldn't have the full potential to succeed."

Matthew Straiton, of Bensalem, writes that "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. The liberty bell encourages my patriotism and makes me proud to call myself an American."

"Liberty is within us all," writes Thanh Kim Nguyen, also of Frankford High School. "We are lucky to have freedom because in some countries people are not allowed to do as they will. ...Liberty is good but comes with responsibilities."

Finally, Harriet Koenig, also of Bensalem, writes "the Liberty Bell is the visible symbol of an invisible pride felt in the hearts and minds of those who love this country. 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."

The runners up had this to say:

When 11-year-old Kelly Dietrich sees the Liberty Bell, she "sees our past and future." Kelly, who is a student at the Round Meadow Elementary School in Hatboro once touched the Bell. "My hand touched sorrow, and pain," she wrote. "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 everyone knows me."

To 13-year old Penny Nickles of Rosemont School of the Holy Child, the Liberty Bell 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."

When Meghan Ross, also 13, of Schwenksville's Indian Crest Junior High School, considers the Bell, she "thinks of the word liberty, and the special times in my life when I feel especially free. ... The Bell is a tangible reminder of all the beauty of the city, writes Meghan, "we went to visit the Liberty Bell last summer with our friends from France, and felt proud of the importance of Philadelphia and the United States." "It is remarkable that a bell not heard could have such meaning," writes Jennifer Malme of Vineland, New Jersey. "In its silence, it speaks to us of all that we treasure."

Jung Ja Shin of Malvern tells of his brother's visit to the United States and how his nephew and niece, during their visit to America, "managed to squeeze through the crowd into the front of the Liberty Bell." He was so moved "by the expression of their proud and honored spirit" that he had to capture it on camera.

What was their expression saying? It was saying, "We are so inspired and honored at this moment as visitors to be part of the United States of America."

"How unexpected it is that a cracked bell in Philadelphia should become the world's most powerful material symbol of freedom," writes Mark Ueland. "Every year over a million visitors and pilgrims come to see it from all corners of the earth. ... For this architect, who worked on the new building that is home to the Bell, "it is most powerful as a memorial to all those great and ordinary people who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom."

Finally, Grace C. Jones, tells of taking her "two children to see the at least three times a year. ... 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."

On behalf of WHYY, we thank all those who took part in this essay contest as the Liberty Bell spends its first Independence Day in its new setting. Once again, the Bell proved that it continues to be a powerful and inspiring symbol.

- Kenneth Finkel, Executive Director, WHYY's Arts and Culture Service