Constitution Day Ringing of The Bells

Smith-McMillan Chapter, DAR hosts “Ringing of the Bells” Ceremony with a Proclamation from Honorable Judge Dan Mueller celebrating Constitution Day, Sept. 17 and Constitution Week 2025. Pictured left to right: bottom row: Smith-McMillan Chapter Chaplain, Sherry Hebert with grandson, Andrew Stewart; DAR members Kay Marburger, Lois Wink, Jackie Head, Treasurer; Carolyn Caflisch, Regent; Kathy Shatte, Vice-Regent and Constitution Week Chairman; and VFW #5254 Chapter member Scott Jones; second row: VFW Auxiliary members Marilyn Kothmann, President; Mary Gray, Chaplain; and Elizabeth Kallus, Junior Vice President; back row: VFW member, John D. Marburger; VFW #5254 Commander Richard Gray; and Lynn Pyburn. Jerry Schatte, Carolyn Caflisch, Jackie Head, Commander Richarnd Gray, John D. Marburger, Marilyn Kothmann, Elizabeth Kallus, and reading the Proclamation is the Honorable Fayette County Judge, Dan Mueller.

Church bells tolled when the Constitution was signed by all the delegates in 1787. The Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR, initiated this observance in 1956 when they petitioned the US Congress to dedicate Sept. 17-23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on Aug. 2, 1956, President Dwight D Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. This ceremony is called Bells Across America.

Goals are threefold: To encourage the study of historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; To remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life; And to emphasize US citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the US Constitution.

On the grounds of the Fayette County courthouse, the Smith McMillan chapter of DAR held a “Bells Across America” ceremony. This ceremony takes place all across our great country each year on Sept.17 at 3 p.m.

The Honorable Judge Dan Mueller read the Fayette County Constitution Week proclamation. Then bells rang at 3 p.m. After the bells, we recited the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. A prayer written by George Washington was read. Before our dismissal, the group sang “God bless America.”

The Smith-McMillan always looks forward to this special week which gives us the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of our Constitution.