Annual bell ringing ceremony planned for Constitution Week

The Constitution Week bell ringing ceremony will be held at the Olde Towne Depot at 3 p.m. on September 17.

The Walter Leake Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter invites the community to join them in celebrating National Constitution Week, September 17-23, to honor the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. 

The United States Constitution, America’s most important document, stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.  Constitution Week is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23 to commemorate its history and importance and to bring attention to how it serves still today.

This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The National Bell Ringing Ceremony is an annual celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Participants gather to ring bells, much as the church bells of Philadelphia rang out when the U.S. Constitution was first signed at 4 p.m. (Eastern time) on September 17, 1787.  Groups across the country will gather to ring bells for one minute at the same time to herald the beginning of the commemorative week.

The Walter Leake DAR Chapter will host Clinton’s participation in Bells Across America on Thursday, September 17. The ceremony and annual ringing of the Olde Towne Depot bell will be held at 3 p.m. at the Depot. Attendees will receive a copy of the Constitution as well as a U.S. flag. 

All ages are welcome, and no advance registration or reservations are needed. 

The Olde Towne Depot is located at 281 East Leake Street. For more information about Constitution Week, visit bit.ly/3SISNZJ.