Each year a bell is rung in front of the Sampson County Courthouse and along with others across America to recognize the signing of America’s Constitution.

The Richard Clinton Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is encouraging Americans to celebrate “Bells Across America,” at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17.

An observance was scheduled for that time at the courthouse steps, but it’s now cancelled due to Hurricane Florence, which is projected to slam North Carolina. But despite the possible aftermath of the storm, DAR is still encouraging residents to observe the special occasion and to not put a damper on the celebration.

Along with other fellow members of the organization, Betsy McCullen is looking forward to celebrating the 231st anniversary of the United States Constitution being signed. McCullen feels that it’s a very important document.

“We all need to read it,” she said. “There’s so much information in there that people really don’t know. I think it would be great to take time once a year on the 17th of September to celebrate when it was written and when it was signed.”

Community members, churches and schools from Sampson County and surrounding areas are invited to help kickoff Constitution Week, starting Monday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Sept. 23. The observance was started in 1955 when DAR petitioned Congress to dedicate the week to honor the Constitution. A resolution was adopted by congress and signed into a public law on Aug. 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“It’s been enforced for 231 years, so it’s a very important week in society and throughout our nation,” McCullen said.

The goals of the week-long observance are to emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for 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 historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

DAR was founded in 1890 with a mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. With it’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., more than 185,000 women are involved in the nonprofit organization throughout the world.

Mac and Lila Maxwell portray President George Washington and former First Lady Martha Washington during the 2017 celebration for ‘Bells Across America’
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_DAR_1.jpgMac and Lila Maxwell portray President George Washington and former First Lady Martha Washington during the 2017 celebration for ‘Bells Across America’
‘Bells Across America’ to ring Monday

By Chase Jordan

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