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On July 4, 1976, as the United States marked its bicentennial, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain delivered a remarkable speech in Philadelphia, stating, "It seems to me that Independence Day, the Fourth of July, should be celebrated in both our countries. Let Freedom Ring." Her visit, accompanied by Prince Philip, was a significant gesture of renewed friendship between the two nations, two centuries after the American Revolution.
During her trip, which spanned several American cities, the Queen presented a special gift to the American people: the Bicentennial Bell. This bell was cast at the same London foundry as the original Liberty Bell and bears the inscription, "For the People of the United States of America from the People of Great Britain, 4 July 1976, Let Freedom Ring." Her words, delivered at the dedication ceremony for this bell on July 6, 1976, in Independence National Historical Park, acknowledged the historical separation while emphasizing the shared values and enduring alliance that had developed between Britain and America.
The Queen's sentiment highlighted a profound shift in the relationship between the former adversaries. She reflected that Britain had learned a valuable lesson from the American Colonies' independence, recognizing the importance of respecting others' right to self-governance. This acknowledgement transformed what was once a day of separation into a moment of shared celebration of liberty and the strong bond that had formed between the two countries, underscoring their common heritage and future as allies.
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