Sherman, Texas — Bells Across America, a celebration to honor the signing of the U.S. Constitution, will be observed Wednesday afternoon.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution organizes the annual event, and representatives of DAR’s Martha Jefferson Randolph chapter will ring bells at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, a symbolic act reminiscent of the church bells that rang in Philadelphia when the Constitution was signed in 1787.
The public is also invited to ring bells at that time or to observe a moment of silence to honor the principles of justice, tranquility, common defense, general welfare and liberty set forth in the Constitution.

The DAR initiated this tradition in 1955, when the organization petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by Congress and signed on Aug. 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

According to DAR, the purpose of the celebration is to emphasize unity and citizens’ responsibilities in protecting and defending the Constitution; inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and encourage the study of the events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

For more information about the Martha Jefferson Randolph chapter email us at mjrdaughters@gmail.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom.

Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide.

Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.

To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org