Mayor Ray O’Connell is urging houses of worship in the city to take part in the Bells Across Pennsylvania Day initiative scheduled for Sunday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m.

The Pennsylvania State Mayor’s Association is encouraging the ringing of bells for three minutes.

“I have often said in the last seven weeks that we are all in this together,” said O’Connell. “It will be nice to show so many of those folks who have shouldered a great burden how much we appreciate the effort.”

Pennsylvania State Mayors' Association President Jim Norwalk says the first minute will recognize and honor first responders, healthcare workers, and employees of grocery stores, pharmacies and other life-sustaining businesses who have maintained essential services to the general public while at risk of infection from COVID-19, and deserve to be celebrated as "hometown heroes."

The second minute is intended to show solidarity with elected officials and residents of municipalities across the Commonwealth, all of whom are fighting COVID-19 on the frontlines together in their communities.

The third minute is to demonstrate a collective resolve that Pennsylvanians will prevail over COVID-19 and work tirelessly to ensure that their businesses and civic life will thrive once again.

O’Connell said, “We are all learning that we have a great part to play in the success of our city. When we social distance, we are doing our part to stop the spread of the disease. We are no doubt finding new appreciation for our first responders and the doctors and nurses who are staring the crisis in the face when they answer every call or greet every patient. I ask our houses of worship to be heard on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.”

O’Connell will be issuing a proclamation designating Sunday, May 3 as “Bells Across Pennsylvania Day” in Allentown. 

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photo: mcall.com