America’s Freedom Bell will make a special stop at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on Friday, June 26, giving visitors an opportunity to honor U.S. military service members and veterans as the bell continues its cross-country journey ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Guests will be invited to ring the bell in honor or memory of a family member, friend or loved one who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and sign a commemorative guest book recognizing their service.
To mark the occasion, the museum will offer free admission on June 26 to active-duty service members, retired military personnel and veterans with a valid military ID. The museum will also continue its participation in the Blue Star Museums program, providing admission benefits for active-duty military families.
Special activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the bell will remain on display until 5 p.m.
A Freedom Bell Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. and will feature remarks from museum leadership and representatives of America’s Freedom Bell, recognition of veterans and a ceremonial ringing by museum staff and volunteers who have served in the military.
Additional activities include representatives from USO Oklahoma, who will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to share information about their programs and invite guests to write thank-you cards to active-duty military personnel.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., gallery talks in the Joe Grandee Gallery will explore stories of military service, sacrifice and courage on the American frontier.
America’s Freedom Bell was cast in 2013 on the anniversary of D-Day and contains steel recovered from the World Trade Center following the Sept. 11 attacks. The bell honors members of the Armed Forces past, present and future and has been rung by more than five million Americans at events and historic sites across the country.
The bell is currently traveling from its home in San Diego to Washington, D.C., where it will be rung during celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
For more information, visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.