FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Lawrence Curry D-Montgomery/Phila. www.pahouse.com/Curry

House adopts Curry resolutions recognizing patriotism

HARRISBURG, July 2 – The House has unanimously adopted resolutions (H.R. 837 and H.R. 838) sponsored by state Rep. Lawrence Curry that recognize patriotism in Pennsylvania.

House Resolution 837 observes Sept. 3, 2008, as the 225^th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognizes the civic endeavors of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. House Resolution 838 calls attention to the 40^th anniversary of "Let Freedom Ring Day," which will occur in Pennsylvania on July 4, 2008.

"On July 4, 1776, our forefathers declared our freedom and independence from Great Britain," Curry said. "But as history tells us, it took more than just a declaration to achieve that independence. The signing of the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and reaffirmed our friendship with France, Spain and Great Britain."

This historic treaty will be commemorated through a variety of events planned by the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association of Pennsylvania in early September.

The Let Freedom Ring Day resolution encourages residents to participate in the ringing of bells at 2 p.m. on the July 4.

Bells this year are being rung at thousands of locations around the country including Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia; the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel in Shanksville; the National Cathedral in Washington, DC; Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park; on all commissioned ships of the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines; and at churches, synagogues and government buildings.

"The Declaration of Independence was announced to the world by the ringing of the Liberty Bell in 1776," Curry said. "It represents the bravery, courage and wisdom of all Americans who fought to protect this nation. The ringing of the bells on this July 4 will remind us of the importance that the Liberty Bell holds in our nation's history."

All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take part in Let Freedom Ring Day by ringing a bell 13 times on July 4 at 2 p.m. This year, bells will be rung at thousands of locations across the United States to honor the sacrifices of the patriots that secured America's freedom.

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