SAN DIEGO (KGTV)- America’s Freedom Bell, which has been traveling across the country for years, officially has a permanent home in San Diego.
Wednesday, the bell was unveiled at its new home at the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park. Before that, it was kept in a storage facility in between travels.
Richard Rovsek, a Rancho Santa Fe resident and founder of the Spirit of Liberty Foundation, drew up a design for the bell on a napkin during a meal. 72 hours later he learned it would become a reality.
Rovsek created the bell to give Americans a chance to ring it and honor the men and women who served our nation. Five million Americans have rung the bell so far.
“It’s closure for families,” said Rovesek.
The bell was cast on June 6, 2013 with full military honors on the 69th anniversary of D-Day. It has traveled to Independence Hall, Arlington Cemetery, Pearl Harbor, Normandy Beach and more. It will continue to travel occasionally, but will forever call San Diego home.
On the bell are the timeless words “Honor Our Armed Forces Past, Present and Future.” It includes emblems for every branch of the military and contains 11 pounds of steel from the World Trade Center.
Wednesday, the Spirit of Liberty Foundation and The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park also announced the creation of “America’s Patriotic Honor Roll” which will include the names of more than 100 million veterans who have served since 1776.
San Diegans can begin visiting the bell at the museum starting next week.
