• Korean War veteran Bernie Rotunda (right) from Bethel stands with Pastor John Parille (left) in front of Bethel United Methodist Church, one of the churches that will ring its bells 13 times at 2 p.m. on the Fourth of July. More than 20 churches across the Danbury area will ring their bells in a show of patriotism. Photo: Julia Perkins / Hearst Connecticut Media / The News-Times
Photo: Julia Perkins / Hearst Connecticut Media
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Korean War veteran Bernie Rotunda (right) from Bethel stands with Pastor John Parille (left) in front of Bethel United Methodist Church, one of the churches that will ring its bells 13 times at 2 p.m. on the Fourth of July. More than 20 churches across the Danbury area will ring their bells in a show of patriotism. less
Korean War veteran Bernie Rotunda (right) from Bethel stands with Pastor John Parille (left) in front of Bethel United Methodist Church, one of the churches that will ring its bells 13 times at 2 p.m. on the ... more
Photo: Julia Perkins / Hearst Connecticut Media
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BETHEL — A Bethel veteran is again encouraging local churches to show their patriotic spirit by ringing their bells on the Fourth of July.

Bernie Rotunda, 88, who fought in the Korean War, has reached out to 35 churches in Danbury, Bethel, New Fairfield, Newtown, Brookfield, New Milford and Southbury for the idea. Last year, about 20 churches participated.

The bells are meant to remind people of their freedoms and the country’s beginnings, Rotunda said.

“What better way do we have to think about our country’s birthday on Independence Day?” he said.

In 1963, Congress requested that bells across the country be rung 13 times on Fourth of July in recognition of the original 13 colonies and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Rotunda hopes the churches will ring the bells 13 times at 2 p.m.