It’s hard to believe July 4 is right around the corner – where is the summer going so quickly?

Talk about perfect boating weather; it doesn’t get much better than this past week, especially if you were waterskiing or tubing. It was warm, relatively flat with little rain.

OK, enough on the weather. Let’s talk about something important to each of us -celebrating our nation’s independence together.

Ever heard of the national program, &uot;Let Freedom Ring&uot;? If not, this column is for you!

I love patriotic focused projects like the one I am going to tell you about especially when it provides an opportunity for the Suffolk News-Herald readership to participate in a national event, which celebrates our great nation, its freedoms and liberties.

Can you ask for anything more?

According to the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution’s Web site, www.amrev.org, &uot;Let Freedom Ring&uot; is a nationwide celebration honoring those who helped achieve our country’s independence during the American Revolution. The Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and its Color Guard began stewardship of the event in 1969.

Richard W. Thorington, then President of the Society, said at the time, that the motto &uot;Let Freedom Ring&uot; was established to &uot;revive the spirit of patriotism&uot; and to provide &uot;a dignified ceremony which will have important meaning for millions of Americans who love their country and have faith in its future.&uot;

What exactly did that Congressional Resolution say to start this celebration?

It stated: &uot;Whereas the tolling of the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa., at 2 o’clock in the afternoon of the 4th day of July, 1776, proclaimed the signing of the Declaration of Independence; and

Whereas the adoption of this historic document marked the birth of our country as a free and independent nation; and

Whereas it is fitting that the anniversary of this great event should be appropriately observed in each year at the same moment throughout the United States;

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Congress hereby

(1) declares that the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be observed each year by the ringing of bells throughout the United States at the hour of 2 o’clock, eastern daylight time, in the afternoon of the 4th day of July, or at such other time on that day as may be determined by local authority, and finally,

(2) call upon civic and other community leaders to take appropriate steps to encourage public participation in such observance.&uot;

Although this national celebration starts in Philadelphia, it is designed for everyone to participate including all of us in Suffolk! In accordance with the U.S. Congressional Resolution Number 25, bells across the country are rung thirteen times at exactly 2 p.m. representing the thirteen original states whose representatives signed the Declaration of Independence.

The actual process starts with four young descendants of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence &uot;tapping&uot; the Liberty Bell, kicking off the national event.

Now you know the history and reason behind this national celebration. Everyone reading this column is encouraged to participate!

Interested in more information? You can contact Let Freedom Ring by calling them at 1-800-330-1776 or emailing at lfr@amrev.org.

Until next week, please Boat Safe, Boat Smart….and hurry up and get ready for our nation’s Independence Day!

Joe DiRenzo is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and lives in Suffolk. He can be reached at j.direnzo@charter.net.