Easton Rotary’s Liberty Bell Tour Celebrates America 250 and Community Service

The Rotary Club of Easton continues to make its mark on the community with a remarkable project that combines history, patriotism, and service. Over the past several months, Rotarian Terry Pundiak led the creation of a life-sized Liberty Bell replica in honor of America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration. What began as an ambitious idea quickly became one of the club’s most visible community initiatives of the year.

A Community-Wide Celebration

The Easton Rotary Liberty Bell embarked on a whirlwind tour of community events, appearing at three major celebrations over an eight-day period.

The bell made its debut as a featured exhibit at Liberty Ignited at Coca-Cola Park on July 3, drawing attention from visitors and media alike. Rotarians joined community members in celebrating the nation’s history while showcasing Easton Rotary’s commitment to civic engagement.

The second stop on the tour was the America 250 Stars & Stripes Birthday Bash at Bushkill Park on July 5. The Liberty Bell was prominently displayed at the park’s main pavilion, where Rotary members also supported children’s activities sponsored by Crayola. Easton Mayor Sal Panto attended the event, highlighting the strong partnership between the city and Easton Rotary.

The tour concluded at Easton’s landmark 50th Annual Heritage Day, where the Liberty Bell was displayed on the event’s Heritage Day Stage and in Centre Square, providing exceptional visibility for both the project and the Rotary Club. The display paid tribute to Easton’s unique place in American history as one of only three cities where the Declaration of Independence was publicly read on July 8, 1776.

Honoring Mayor Sal Panto

During the Bushkill Park celebration, Easton Rotary recognized Mayor Sal Panto with a Paul Harris Fellow, one of Rotary’s highest honors. The award was presented in recognition of his support for the Easton Rotary Peace Pole in Centre Square and his longstanding dedication to serving the residents of Easton throughout his tenure as mayor. The presentation reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to recognizing individuals who embody the spirit of service above self.

A Permanent Home at City Hall

Following Heritage Day, the Liberty Bell found a new home at Easton City Hall, where it will remain on display throughout the America 250 celebration.

What started as a temporary project has become a lasting symbol of Easton’s role in the birth of the nation. Thanks to the support of Mayor Panto and city leadership, residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the Liberty Bell and reflect on Easton’s historical significance for years to come.

Investing in the Next Generation

Easton Rotary also continues to invest in local youth through educational opportunities. This year, the club sponsored three Easton Area students to attend the Rotary District 7430 STEM Youth Explorer Academy (STEM YEA) at Kutztown University. The program brought together students from across the region to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Special recognition goes to Youth Services Chair Gayle Rogers for helping secure student participation and volunteering on behalf of the club.

Looking Ahead

The Rotary Club of Easton remains dedicated to strengthening the community through service projects, youth development, and meaningful partnerships. From celebrating America’s heritage with the Liberty Bell project to supporting future leaders through STEM education, Easton Rotary continues to demonstrate what can be accomplished when people come together in the spirit of service.