GILL — “We hold these truths to be self-evident,” read Pastor Gary Bourbeau on the steps of the First Congregational Church of Gill.
Bourbeau, Guy Neumann and Chet Kuzontkoski read the Declaration of Independence aloud. Following the reading, the 2-ton bell rang 243 times — one for each year celebrating the United States’ Independence Day.
This is the first year Bourbeau has organized the event, but he’s been ringing the church’s bell since 2011.
His checklist, titled “Let freedom ring,” is numbered from one to 243 and is marked off to keep track of the number of times the bell is run.
“I got the idea from Greenfield, who read the Declaration of Independence in the morning on July Fourth,” Bourbeau said. “I’ve been ringing the bells now for about eight years because I decided there was nothing to do around noon on July Fourth. I made a checklist for the numbers and started ringing.”
By Bourbeau’s calculations, one ring, or peal, can occur every five seconds, so there are about 12 peals per minute and 243 peals in about 20 minutes.
There is even a method of ringing the bell.
“You have to snap the rope to get a good ring,” Bourbeau said. “You start with your hands high on the rope and pull down hard.”
The small crowd of about 15 people was invited to help ring the bell following the reading of the Declaration.
Gladys Boyle of Bernardston said she thought the event was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday.
“I grew up in Somerville and that was right in the thick of history,” Boyle said. “We’re so fortunate to live here.”
Bourbeau’s wife, Merri Bourbeau, said it is a blessing to be an American.
“It’s a blessing what God’s given us,” she said. “This is one way we can show our appreciation.”
Bree Kehmeier of Northfield said observing the holiday includes celebrating those who have fought for the United States.
“We appreciate the rights and freedoms we have,” Kehmeier said. “We won the lottery by being born here. We have to show respect and honor those who have come before us.”
Bourbeau, an Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, said his patriotism had grown over the years since he came back 47 years ago.
“When I got home from Vietnam, I was confused, but my patriotism and love of country has developed since I’ve been home,” Bourbeau said. “It doesn’t matter who the leader is. We have the freedom to do what we did today.”
Kuzontkoski, chair of the Memorial Committee and a Navy veteran, said he came to the celebration because he believes it is every citizen’s duty to appreciate what they have as an American citizen.
“I think this is great because it shows our commitment to the sacrifices made that we can’t forget about,” Kuzontkoski said.
He laughed and added, “I want everyone to have the chance to ring the bell.”
Reach Melina Bourdeau at mbourdeau@recorder.com or 413-772-0261 ext. 263.