Gore rings in King Day at Liberty Bell

Vice President Al Gore came to Independence National Historical Park yesterday to ceremoniously "ring" the Liberty Bell in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Gore, flanked by Mayor Ed Rendell, former Senator Harris Wofford and a huge security detail, tapped the bell with his fist ten times to symbolize the tenth anniversary of the national King holiday. Shortly after the celebration began, Senator Carol Moseley-Braun also arrived. The event was planned by the Philadelphia Martin Luther King Association for Non-Violence as part of this year's Let Freedom Ring celebration. In addition, the Liberty Bell was chosen as the starting point of this years festivities by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s widow, Coretta Scott King. Even as the sky became gray and drizzle began to fall, the crowd stood solemnly and motionless, listening to Gore's words about King. In his brief speech, Gore discussed King's contributions as a man of service. "He dedicated life to service, freedom and equality for all," he said. "We depend on each other. We must work for unity of all people." Gore said King left an indelible mark on the United States, and his relentless promotion of nonviolence is something to be emulated by all. "By appealing to the conscience of America, Dr. King awakened America," he added. "And by speaking the the truth and resisting violence nonviolently, he moved the heart of this great nation." Rendell echoed many of these sentiments, but used Philadelphians as examples of people committed to volunteering and helping the less fortunate. "Three hundred sixty-five days a year, Philadelphians have stepped forward to help other people," Rendell said. "Today is a good day to reflect on the need to help others." Wofford, a friend of the King family, said that people should consider Martin Luther King Day a call to action to make a difference. "Martin Luther King was the greatest active duty citizen in our history," he said. Philadelphia resident Dana Kushwara said the ceremony was moving and stressed the importance of the King holiday. "We really respect all the ideals Martin Luther King tried to teach," Kushwara said. "We believe the races should be equal, and feel ceremonies such as this are important because they promote equality." Braun was presented with the "Drum Major" award for social justice by the PMLKA for NonViolence. In addition, Dr. Niara Sudarkasa, president of Lincoln University and retired Philadelphia Common Please Judge Harvey Schmidt were also given the "Drum Major" award.