(USA-1)

To Stephane Laloe, President of Normandy Liberty Bell Club of France.

This is the wonderful concept initiated by a French Normand (Patrick Daudon) who made a "ringable" replica of the Liberty Bell, “The Normandy Liberty Bell.” The Cornille-Havard foundry obtained to the perfection its timbre, promoted as the voice of Liberty and Independence which received a lot of attention, here in the United States.

Its arrival has been confirmed for the 4^TH of July 2005. Through its association with "Let Freedom Ring" (LFR), the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution (PSSR) has negotiated with the Pentagon for its arrival on a very famous Navy ship (230 year anniversary of the Navy, founded in Philadelphia). It will be a big event, and the Normandy Liberty Bell will be an integral part of the 4th of July celebrations with dignitaries attendance. For security reasons, only some details will be made official.

It will then be exhibited at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia until end of august 2005. The respect of stopping in the three historical capitals of the United States of America, i.e: New York City, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia will honour the tribute to the country and to the world. Then the cross country travel will begin.

The Tour has been logistically planned in the following matter. A large conference press, initiated by the Governor of each state interested in the bell will be held, then it will be exhibited in a capital city museum for a period of about one and a half month in the state in question.

Let it be noted that the Governor of Pennsylvania, Edward Rendell has initiated this format with his co-representants throughout the country.

Its travel plans to California for July 4TH 2006 with the Governor's office have been confirmed. As a matter of fact Governor Swartznegger will be attending the 4th of July celebration in 2005 as a gesture illustrating the East-West coasts involvement in the project.

The end of its tour is still scheduled for the 4th of July 2007 in Philadelphia announcing its return to Normandy. In addition, we will, in Philadelphia, have a 14th of July celebration ring of the Normandy Liberty Bell at the Constitution Center, adding a communal celebration of Independence and Liberty with the two countries which have been linked since the time of the American Revolution.

In between these important dates, The Normandy Liberty Bell will be in Atlanta, Georgia at the National Museum of Patriotism in October and November 2005. Then, it will travel with the involvement of our benefactor George Young Co. to New Orleans, at the D-day Museum in Louisiana. The Bell will be exhibited there for the Holidays, December 2005 and January of 2006. February, March, April 2006 have not been booked yet, a few museum are interested and it is a matter of logistics. Texas is definitely booked for 2006 May and June at the Constitution Center of Dallas. In Dallas, with the Crew who initiated Quincy Jones'  “ We are the world" we will inaugurate the "Liberty and Independence Song" of the Normandy Liberty Bell. As you already know, it will be in California Cerritos and Los Angeles in July 2006. San Francisco will be in September and October 2006.

Because of the logistics demands, we are doing the Northern route in one year. We still have openings, but the Normandy Liberty Bell tour is booked for Chicago December 2006 and January 2007. February and March 2006 the Bell will be in Boston. Washington DC will host the Normandy Liberty Bell in May and June 2006. D-day celebrations will be held there.

Two years seem a very short time because of the incredible enthusiasm the tour has generated. The few open dates will be filled with logistically and geographically interesting locations. I will update you as soon as I have confirmations.

At this point, the Normandy Liberty Bell is launched with great media coverage as well as official dignitaries attendance, which some cannot be disclosed for security reasons.

Within the Tricentennial Celebration of the Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, the Normandy Liberty Bell will produce the sound he heard before voyaging back to Normandy.