On December 18th, 2001 President Bush signed public law No. 107-89 designating September 11th as Patriot Day, in remembrance of the tragic events that shook our nation on September 11, 2001. Citizens are asked to fly the American flag at half-staff from dawn until dusk. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 407-0 and passed the US Senate unanimously.
The outpouring of patriotism in our country following the attacks on September 11, 2001 was a strong message to the world. It reflected the strength and resolve of our country’s founders. I once heard that patriotism is the duct tape of democracy. Perhaps that is true. It brings out the best in us when we focus on the big picture and not on our differences. In between those times of tragedy and triumph, some put their patriotism on the back burner. Why can't we be patriotic every day?
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has chosen to commemorate this tenth anniversary of the attacks on our country by encouraging state societies and local chapters to promote events in their communities to remember the nearly 3,000 who died in the attacks and the many thousands more whose lives were changed forever by the loss of a loved one. The NSDAR has even designed a banner which may be purchased and presented to first responders and others in your community. The objectives of the NSDAR are to promote Education, Historic Preservation, and Patriotism.
The Kentucky Society Daughters of the American Revolution will join with the Kentucky Historical Society on Sunday, September 11th, at 3 o'clock in the Cralle-Day Garden at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway, Frankfort in observance of this Patriot Day. It is fitting that the ceremony will take place in front of the Kentucky Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is a symbol of that freedom which was won at places like Lexington and Yorktown, Midway and Normandy, and now is being defended as far away as Iraq and Afghanistan. It represents a way of life so precious to us, but which others may seek to take away.
So wherever you are on Sunday, take a few minutes out of your day to remember those who were lost and those who grieve and those who bravely stepped forward to defend our country. If you can come to Frankfort, please join us. If not, find a way to show your patriotism and appreciation for the liberty we so often take for granted.
-Leslie Miller, KHS membership coordinator
Did you know that the original Liberty Bell was not called by that name until abolitionists adopted it as a symbol in the 1830's? And later the bell was used as a symbol by suffragists who commissioned a replica and had the clapper chained to the bell to symbolize the women's inability to have their voices heard.
The Kentucky Liberty Bell is one of 55 replicas cast in 1950 as part of a US savings bond drive. Each state, the District of Columbia, and two US territories received replicas. Most are displayed at or near the state capital. The Kentucky Liberty Bell, once on display at the Old State Capitol, can now be seen at the Kentucky Historical Society's Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Come by and see if it inspires you to wave your flag!
Inscription on the accompanying plaque:
DEDICATED TO YOU, A FREE CITIZEN IN A FREE LAND
THIS REPRODUCTION OF THE LIBERTY BELL WAS PRESENTED TO THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY
BY DIRECTION OF
THE HONORABLE JOHN W. SNYDER
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
AS THE INSPIRATIONAL SYMBOL OF THE
UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS INDEPENDENCE DRIVE
FROM MAY 15 TO JULY 4, 1950 IT WAS
DISPLAYED IN EVERY PART OF THIS STATE.
THE DIMENSIONS AND TONE ARE IDENTICAL
WITH THOSE OF THE ORIGINAL LIBERTY BELL
WHEN IT RANG OUT OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776.
IN STANDING BEFORE THIS SYMBOL, YOU
HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEDICATE
YOURSELF, AS DID OUR FOREFATHERS,
TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE INDIVIDUAL
FREEDOM FOR WHICH OUR NATION STANDS
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