Churches ring bells on Wednesday

prtrrMOrO>> Bells in Peterboro will be ringing at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28 in unison with the nation’s recognition of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s March on Washington and his I Have A Dream speech. The Smithfield Community Association will begin the program at the Smithfield Community Center at 5255 Pleasant Valley Road in Peterboro with the ringing of the bells in the tower of the Center by Steve Joeckel, former President of the Smithfield Community Association. The bells across the street at the Peterboro United Methodist Church will ring at the same time. Following the solemn bell ringing, the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag will be recited. The Flag will be accompanied by six35 star flags presented at the Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend and Emancipation Day - in recognition of six African-Americans from Peterboro who served in the Civil War fighting for freedom from slavery.

Rev. James Fletcher, pastor of the Perryville and Peterboro United Methodist Churches, will open the program with words of reconciliation and prayers for freedom from racism and discrimination. Norman K. Dann PhD., Member of the Cabinet of Freedom for the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, and Nell Ziegler, President of the Smithfield Community Association, will lead the reading of excerpts from King’s I Have a Dream speech. A facsimile of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation that toured eight cities in New York State in 2012 with King’s I Have a Dream speech will be on exhibit with accompanying pamphlets for attendees. All are encouraged to join this special commemoration.

For more information: 315684-3262