The Pennsylvania State Mayors’ Association encouraged all residents and houses of worship to ring bells for three minutes at 7 p.m. on May 3, 2020, to recognize those on the frontlines battling COVID-19, to show solidarity with elected officials and governments in this effort, and to demonstrate resolve that we will prevail in this challenge. This effort draws on a long history of using bells to communicate across distances and to mark important events or times.

Fr. Milan Dragovic made sure that the melodious St. Nicholas Church bells in Johnstown, PA were ringing!

The Bells Across Pennsylvania event was created for three purposes:

To honor "hometown heroes" including first responders, healthcare workers, postal workers, grocery store and pharmacy employees, and others who are keeping their communities afloat.
To show solidarity between all Pennsylvanians across all municipalities.

As a demonstration of determination: a nonverbal declaration that Pennsylvanians will eventually prevail over COVID-19 and businesses and civic life will thrive once again.

Full historic article may be accessed at: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/collection-spotlight/bells-across-pennsylvania-day