Members of the Maria Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution rang hand bells Sept. 17, in the Plaza de la Constitucion. Overhead the tolling of bells from Trinity Episcopal Parish, the Cathedral-Basilica, Flagler College and Memorial Presbyterian Church signaled the celebration of Constitution Day.
DAR members endeavor to raise awareness of the United States Constitution at a time when the country is faced with Constitutional issues and education about the Constitution needs to be emphasized.
About 50 people gathered as DAR ladies distributed flags and the program for the ceremony. County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson and St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles spoke to the group. Stevenson noted that it was fitting to celebrate the US Constitution in the Plaza representing another constitution, that of the Spanish government of 1812. The US Constitution predated that short-lived document and is considered the oldest and shortest written constitution of any major government.
Chapter regent Linda Trevlyn noted that “every year on Sept. 17 our Maria Jefferson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, hold Bell Ringing in the Plaza de la Constitution. At 4 p.m. Flagler College and surrounding churches toll their bells to mark the time of the signing of the United States Constitution.”
She also emphasized that “our goal is to encourage all citizens in our community to protect and defend the Constitution.”
The chapter recently was given a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners honoring Constitution Week and Constitution Day. The U.S. constitution was signed 226 years ago at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17, 1787.