Pictured (from left) are Dobbs Chapter NSDAR members Caroline Bentley, Rada Spencer, Gail Smith, Kathleen Busby, Janis Ford, Regent Lisa McBane, Kathleen Hatchett, Laurel Eason, Doris Worthington, Ann Brady and Judy Edwards.

Special to Iredell Free News

Fort Dobbs Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution began its celebration of Constitution Week on Friday, September 17, by gathering at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville to participate in “Bells Across America.” At 4 p.m. church bells were rung simultaneously by churches in Statesville and in cities across America to celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

Constitution Week is the commemoration of America’s most important document. It is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23.

In 1955, Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

President George W. Bush officially declared the inception of Constitution Week in 2002. DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., the largest concert hall in D.C., was formally dedicated on April 19, 1929, as a monument to the Constitution.