A reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of Oregon by direction of The Honorable John W. Snyder, Secretary of the Treasury, as the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds Independence Drive from May 15 to July 4, 1950, and it was displayed in every part of the state. Its dimensions and tone are identical with those of the original Liberty Bell when it rang out American independence in 1776. One of fifty-three bells cast in France in 1950 and given to the United States Government by major metal and mining companies, it stood as a symbol inviting citizens to dedicate themselves, as the founding fathers did, to the principles of individual freedom for which the Nation stands.