One Bell, One Reason, 50 years

Published 1:40 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026

Thanks to Jasper lifelong resident, Johnny Joe Phillips, the same bell that was rung 50 years ago was rung this year.

According to Phillips, who was 13 years old for the Bicentennial, there had been a large buildup leading to that date, “It was a huge deal in the 1970s”.  He continued, “One of those key moments was when Gerald Ford, the President of the United States, issued a proclamation for a nationwide ringing of bells. This took place in Jasper on July 4th, 1976, I believe at 1 p.m. We rang a brass bell that day.”

The bell belonged to his parents. Phillips promised them that he would keep the bell and ring it again in 50 years. And he did.

He attended several Jasper city council meetings prior to July, during which he shared his childhood memory and an invitation for the city to participate this year. Mayor Mike Thomas liked Phillips’ suggestion, and consequently rung the ceremonial bell outside of City Hall on the 4th.

According to Phillips, “People don’t realize how big the Bicentennial was; today, we barely hear anything about the new one. But that time, it meant so much.”

In commemorating the original signing, Thomas said he was proud to ring in the nation’s 250th anniversary, was proud of our forefathers and veterans, and was looking forward to the next 50 years, “Happy 4th, and God Bless America.”

“I thank the mayor’s office and the city for participating in this event with me,” concluded Phillips.