DAR Chapter To Mark Constitution Anniversary At Johnston County Courthouse

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – The Smith-Bryan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its annual Bells Across America ceremony Sept. 17 at the Johnston County Courthouse in recognition of the 239th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

The public gathering will begin at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, on the courthouse steps.

Participants will recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and read the American’s Creed and the Preamble to the Constitution.

At 4 p.m., those attending will join communities across the country by ringing bells for 60 seconds.

The annual ceremony is held as part of Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23, which commemorates the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

Organizers noted that bells were historically used to announce important events and information in American communities. On July 4, 1776, church bells in Philadelphia were rung to call residents together for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The Smith-Bryan Chapter is inviting members of the community to attend and participate in the observance.