Bishop Reidy to Offer Prayer at Norwich Freedom Bell Ceremony
Public is Invited to the free celebration at City Hall
NORWICH, Conn. — The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, will offer a prayer during the City of Norwich’s Ringing of the Freedom Bell ceremony on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
The event will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in room 335 on the third floor at City Hall, 100 Broadway, Norwich. The program will take place indoors due to forecast extreme heat, and then only the ringing of the Freedom Bell will happen outdoors in the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard, in front of City Hall,
The ceremony is part of Norwich’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The program will include patriotic music, a reading of Abraham Lincoln’s speech at Independence Hall, prayer led by Bishop Reidy, and the ringing of the Norwich Freedom Bell by local Girl Scouts.
As part of the ceremony, attendees are invited inside City Hall for complimentary birthday cake. Free commemorative bells will also be available while supplies last.
The event is free and open to the public.
Event Details
What: Ringing of the Norwich Freedom Bell
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard, adjacent to Norwich City Hall, 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT. Main program is inside City Hall in room 335, third floor, due to heat.