WHYY and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) present:

What The Liberty Bell Means To Me Essay Contest Winners

Harriet Koenig, 63, Bensalem, PA

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.

Thanh Kim Nguyen, 16, Frankford High School, Philadelphia, PA

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.

Matthew Straiton, 34, Bensalem, PA

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.

Elton-John Torres, 16, Frankford High School, Philadelphia, PA

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.

Dina Sophie Zaret, 9, Wyncote Elementary School, Elkins Park, PA

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”!!

Note to Editors: For more information about the Liberty Bell essay contest, visit www.whyy.org/community/libertybell.html.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Philadelphia’s regional tourism marketing agency, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building the region’s economy and positive image through tourism and destination marketing. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676, or visit www.gophila.com.

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Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of www.gophila.com/pressroom

June 2004

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