DAR chapters plan Bells Across America event Sept. 17 to launch Constitution Week
Greenwood, S.C. – Bells will ring throughout the United States, including Greenwood, on Sunday, Sept. 17, to commemorate the 236th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
The Daughters of the American Revolution in Greenwood and McCormick counties will host the second annual Bells Across America with a program, featuring music by students from Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries. The event, to be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, will begin will light refreshments served at 3 p.m., followed by a formal program at 3:30 p.m. and the ringing of bells at 4 p.m. to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution into law.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will serve as a launch to Constitution Week, to be held Sept. 17 – 23 nationwide. NSDAR chapters involved include Star Fort, Mt. Ariel and Issaqueena in Greenwood and Long Cane in McCormick.
Many people have memorized the 52 words of the Preamble to the Constitution and find them as profound today as when first written.
Constitution Week is observed nationally in schools, colleges and universities. The observance had its beginning in 1955 when the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress with a resolution to set aside September 17-23 for observing Constitution Week. The annual celebration was established when signed into law by President Dwight D.Eisenhower on Aug. 2, 1956.
The DAR remains committed to encouraging study and educating the public about the Constitution and the men who framed it.
About the DAR: The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organizationwhose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.
