Bells Across America event in Ocala

Sandy Clardy, Scoutmaster of Boy Scouts of America Troop, 72, framed by ladder, looks on as scout Luke J. Morrissey, 12, takes his turn ringing the bell at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

Home » Community

Posted September 18, 2023 | By Andy Fillmore, andy@ocalagazette.com

The DAR-sponsored Bells Across America event replicates the ringing of bells at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17, 1787, when the U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention.

The Ocala Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted an event on Sunday, Sept. 17, with members of Boy Scout Troop 72 doing the ceremonial ringing of the bell 236 times at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocala.

The ringing could be heard for blocks around the church at 511 S.E. 3rd St., which sponsors BSA Troop 72. A program was held earlier at The Congregational Church in Summerfield.

The ceremonial ringing by Troop 72 has been sponsored by the Ocala DAR group for about 30 years and is part of their annual Constitution Week celebration.

To learn more about the national group, go to dar.org/national-society