Opinion: A joyous sound unites Paris and Portland

Cathedral bells chime again in Notre Dame

Four years after a fire devastated Notre Dame Cathedral, its bells rang out once again on Saturday, signaling the completion of a major phase of the restoration.

The bells, which date back to the 14th century, were silent after the 2019 fire, which destroyed the cathedral's roof and spire.

The bells were rung for the first time since the fire during a ceremony attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and other dignitaries.

Portland's bells ring in a new era

Across the ocean, in the city of Portland, Oregon, another set of bells rang out on Saturday, marking the opening of a new concert hall.

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is home to the Oregon Symphony and will host a variety of musical performances throughout the year.

The bells, which were cast in the Netherlands, are the largest in the state of Oregon.

Bells symbolize hope and renewal

The ringing of bells has been a symbol of hope and renewal for centuries.

In Notre Dame, the bells rang out after the fire to signal that the cathedral would be rebuilt.

In Portland, the bells rang out to celebrate the opening of a new concert hall that will bring joy to the community for years to come.

The bells in Paris and Portland are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.