THE LIBERTY BELL.
It was the Fourth of July, 1776.
For more than a year America had been at war with England.
A great and good man had written a paper saying that America must be free.
On the Fourth of July a number of wise men met in Philadelphia, to see about signing this paper.
Many people stood around the house where they met.
“Will they sign it? Will they sign it?” the people asked.
An old bell-man was in the tower ready to ring the bell. His little grandson stood below to tell him when to ring it.
Hour after hour passed, but still the old man and the little boy waited.
At last the boy shouted, “Ring, Grandpa! Ring! Oh, ring for liberty!”
The old bell rang out loud and clear. How the people shouted! Cheer after cheer went up.
For two hours the old bell-man sent out the glad news. America was free!
This was the first Fourth of July.
For many years the old bell rang out merrily on all great days. But at last a sad thing happened. A large crack was found in it.
The old bell could never ring any more. But the people loved it better than ever.
They gave it a home in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where every year travelers go to see it.