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Show Bell ringing campaign for Iran hostages In a personal apal to all I'tahns, L'.S. Senator Jake Garn (R-Utah) has requested a statewide bell-ringing campaign in support of the safe release of Americans held hostage in Iran. "Americans everywhere must unite to show their determination not to yield to blackmail," Garn noted. "President Carter has called upon the nation's churches to toll their bells each day at noon until the hostages are released, and I fully endorse this gesture." Carter's request was based on a message received from Bruce Laingen, American Charge d'affaires currently held hostage in Iran. Garn said he had received commitment com-mitment from most churches in Utah that they would be participating. All universities and colleges with bell-like carillons will also take part, including Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Southern Utah State College, Dixie College, Weber State College, and the University of Utah. "It is commendable that these institutions in-stitutions ring their bells at noon each day, reminding Utahns of the hostages' plight, "Garn said. Noting that "there aren't many other bells in Utah," Garn said his staff has begun contacting radio and television stations, requesting that each station play "a tolling of the bells" for a few seconds at noon. Radio and television stations in Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake City, Orem, Provo, Tooele, Brigham City, Roosevelt, Richfield, Price, Blanding, Vernal and Cedar City have agreed thus far, and others are expected ex-pected to join them. "The sound of bells is a very appropriate ap-propriate symbol of freedom," Garn said. "This is a very special and unique effort, which can let the Iranian authorities know just how united Americans are on this issue. We must prevent any miscalculation of where Americans stand in this time of crisis," he said. |