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Community Corner

America's 250th Birthday Brought a Surprise to Los Gatos

A Bell Silenced for Decades Rings Again

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Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, Community Contributor
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Jeff Des Jarlais, military veteran and historian, is credited along with his family for bringing the Los Gatos Liberty Bell back to Los Gatos. He and his daughter had the honor to ring the bell on July 4–America's 250th Anniversary of Independence.
Jeff Des Jarlais, military veteran and historian, is credited along with his family for bringing the Los Gatos Liberty Bell back to Los Gatos. He and his daughter had the honor to ring the bell on July 4–America's 250th Anniversary of Independence. (Tyler J Brunner, seen Photography and Member of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation)

On July 4, 2026, as America celebrated 250 years of independence, the Town of Los Gatos, California witnessed a moment of history reborn. The Los Gatos Liberty Bell — silenced and forgotten for many years — made its triumphant return, thanks to the dedication of one local combat veteran.

Jeff Des Jarlais, who served in Iraq and carries a deep passion for local history, tracked down the long-lost bell. Restored and polished to its former glory, the bell was unveiled before the community by Mayor Rob Moore and Vice Mayor Maria Ristow. Then, in a moving tribute, Jeff and his family rang the bell 13 times — one ring for each of the original colonies — reviving a cherished tradition.

The 13 rings echo a proud national custom: in 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed July 4 as "National Bell Ringing Day" through U.S. Congressional Resolution No. 25, calling on Americans everywhere to ring bells at 2:00 p.m. Eastern in celebration of our nation's independence.

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Join us as we relive this unforgettable day — a story of service, history, and a community's enduring love of liberty.

🔔 Let Freedom Ring — for the next 250 years.

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Produced by members of the Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation who were honored to participate in the Town of Los Gatos' celebration of America's 250th anniversary—a milestone recognizing two and a half centuries of freedom, service, and civic responsibility.

· Photo & video raw footage: Tyler J Brunner of seen photography.

· Video compilation: Ellen Manzo

Our Mission:

· Build and maintain The Flame of Liberty Memorial–a tribute to past, present and future U.S. military members, veterans, first responders and 9/11 heroes–that delivers honor, respect, gratitude and healing.

· Educate the Community on the sacrifices borne by those who serve.

· Provide humanitarian support to active service members, veterans and their families.

Visit https://honoravet.org/ to learn more.

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