While twelve new United States residents took their pledge of allegiance in Northampton on Saturday, the 4th of July, a 186-year-old bell rang free symbolizing their new citizenship.

One ring for each of the naturalized citizens, immigrants that originally hailed from Japan, Greece, Indonesia and many other nations across the globe.

Judge Michael Ponsor presided over the swearing in, outside the old courthouse in Northampton, and says new residents met old tradition on the perfect day.

"Well today its been 233 years exactly since our country was born, and to swear in new citizens on this anniversary and to have a bell that dates right back to that time, I guess you could say it resonates figuratively and literally", said Ponsor.

The bell was brought to Northampton in 1823, crafted in the Boston Foundry shop of Paul Revere.

It hung in Northampton's third courthouse where it served to notify the towns people that court was in session

It's tone meaning different things for a diverse group of people.

For Bachtiar Effendi, originally from Indonesia, the patriotic chime means he is able to be with his son, who has aspirations of joining the military.

"When my son told me that he would like to go West Point, that was the day I said oh, I always want to stay close to him", said Effendi.

For Anastasia Kofides, who came here from Greece 43-years ago, the bell toll brings a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

"I tried to take the test before, I tried one more time 17 years ago but I was not prepared, and because I was working all the time, no time to concentrate, now I'm retired so I was able to pass", said Kofides.

Naoharu Psuvoy, a U.S Army reservist, can describe the day brings in one word, pride.

'I'm really proud to be serving the best country in the world, " said Psuvoy.

This is the first naturalization ceremony held in Northampton in about It was such a hit the organizers of the event, the Center for New Americans hope to do it again next year.

The bell will remain on display for anyone to look at at the Old Courthouse on Main Street in Northampton.