Let Freedom Ring

On “Constitution Day,” Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2:45 p.m. members of the Elizabeth Crockett Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will gather at the flagpoles in front of the Hood County Courthouse on Granbury’s square to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States. Local residents are encouraged to attend.

On Sept. 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created.                                                                                                                                                          

The celebration will include a brief ceremony of prayer, a few words of inspiration and music. Local community leaders will be in attendance as well as other patriotic groups from the area, some in historic attire. The Sons of the American Revolution as well as children from “Constitution Camp” will be supporting the event.

As the clock strikes 3 p.m., residents will ring hand-held bells to recognize the historic moment as bells are rung across the nation. 

“We encourage members of the community to participate in any way they can. Come to the courthouse and ring a bell with us. Go outside and ring a bell at 3 p.m. if you can’t attend the event,” offered Peggy Freeman, “Constitution Day” event coordinator for the Elizabeth Crockett DAR. 

Freeman went on to share, “It would be wonderful if local churches with bells would ring their bells with us at 3 p.m.” 

Though the ceremony is brief, bringing a folding chair is recommended for someone that standing may be difficult as no seating is provided.

Constitution Day, which is a federal observance day, begins the start of Constitution Week. Local members of the DAR will be sharing about the constitution at local schools during the week of Sept. 17 -Sept. 23.

The DAR national group petitioned congress to set aside this week and it was signed into law on Aug. 2, 1956. The purpose of the week is to commemorate the history and importance of the constitution and to bring attention to how it still serves us today.

More information on Constitution Day and week can be found at dar.org and constitutionday.com.