(Le Mars) — A former church bell situated inside a tower positioned on the former Westmar College grounds isn’t used much these days since the college closed in 1996. Originally, the bell would ring, marking some significant sports
victories, or events such as the inauguration of the college president, or other important occasions as it would relate to Westmar College. But, a former Westmar College professor wants to change that, and is determined to have the
bell ring again. Wayne Marty has thought about having the bell ring 13 times a year with each time it would chime 13 times. Marty says it would symbolize the end of wars involving the United States. The “Freedom Bell” is scheduled to
ring at 8:30 a.m. Marty offers a bit of history about the bell.
Marty says the bell was moved from its original position on the former college grounds.
The former Westmar College faculty member says he wants to start a new tradition with the ringing of the bell. Marty says the bell will ring on Tuesday, July 4th to mark the day when the United States declared its independence.
Marty says the significance of 13 times is to acknowledge the original 13 colonies, and the U-S has been involved in 13 different wars or conflicts.
During the month of May, the bell will ring on three consecutive days…May 7th, 8th, and the 9th.
Marty reviews the other dates when the “Freedom Bell” will ring, marking the end of a war or conflict.
Marty says the end of World War I, the war to end all wars, happened on November 11th, which is why we acknowledge Veteran’s Day on November 11th. Marty says his goal is to ring the bell to symbolize freedom.
Following are the proposed dates for the “Freedom Bell” to ring.
February 3rd – End of the Mexican-American War (1848)
February 18th – End of War of 1812 (1815)
February 28th – End of the Gulf War (1991)
May 7th – End of the Viet Nam War (1975)
May 8th – Victory in Europe from World War II (1945)
May 9th – End of the Civil War (1865)
July 4th – Signing of the Declaration of Independence (1776)
July 27th – End of the Korean Conflict (1953)
August 14th – Victory in Japan World War II (1945)
September 3rd – End of the Revolutionary War (1783)
November (First Monday following the First Tuesday) – Election Day
November 11th – End of World War I (1918)
December 10th – End of Spanish-American War (1898)
