Savannah marks 250th anniversary with Bells Across America ceremony

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Bells rang out at First Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. Thursday as part of Bells Across America, a nationwide event marking the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

The event took place at First Presbyterian Church, located at 520 Washington Ave., and is held annually by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Bells Across America commemorates the date the Constitution was signed in 1787. Participants across the country ring bells at 4 p.m. local time, replicating how church bells in Philadelphia rang when the document was first signed.

The event is associated with Constitution Week, September 17-23, which was established by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1955 and codified by Congress in 1956 to encourage Americans to learn about the Constitution and recognize their civic responsibilities.

Local chapter takes part in nationwide tradition

Tina Pollard, regent for the Savannah chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, said the event represents the date the Constitution was signed and that bells were rung across the country and across Savannah at 4 p.m.

“Our organization is founded in patriotism and in historic preservation of the history of the American Revolution,” Pollard said. “The patriots and all of those who served for the liberties that we have today.”

Pollard said the Constitution is “the most important document that we have in the United States.”

On the significance of the bells, Pollard said they let the community know, at a time before telephones, that the Constitution had been signed and that it was official.

Chapter highlights 250th anniversary events

Pollard said the chapter is celebrating the country’s 250th year and that Savannah has a 250th commission. She said the Savannah chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution, along with the city, have worked to bring attention to patriotism and to honoring those who served.

Pollard encouraged residents to look on chapter websites for more information on upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.