MORGANTOWN — The Elizabeth Ludington Hagans-Col. John Evans Chapter, Col. Zackquill Morgan Chapter, and the Woodburn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) let freedom ring Monday afternoon at Monongalia County Courthouse Square. This week, they celebrate Constitution Week.
The celebration of the Constitution was started by the DAR. In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 in observance of Constitution Week. It was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law in 1956.
The DAR has also built a structure in commemoration of the U.S. Constitution. The Daughters rang their bells at 4 p.m., the same time the Constitution was signed in Sept. 17, 1787. As the delegates left Independence Hall on that day in Philadelphia, the bells in the city proceeded to ring.
Ann Van Voorhis is credited with starting the bell-ringing tradition in Morgantown, which started more than 25 years ago.
“Well this is the 231st anniversary. We haven’t been doing it that long,” joked Brenda Shinkovich.
When Benjamin Franklin came out of Independence Hall on the day the Constitution was signed, a woman asked which the United State adopted — a republic or a monarchy. Franklin said, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
“We just basically want to promote people to read the Constitution, honor it, and respect it,” Shinkovich said.
The DAR does fundraising, and work with veterans. Their motto is “God, Home and Country.” With some rain coming down in Morgantown Monday, the ladies were happy to see those who did come out to ring their bells.
“We told people that if it rained it would be canceled, but the Old Faithfuls are here,” Shinkovich said.
Members were also happy to see Van Voorhis, who has been a member for 63 years. She started the Constitution celebration in Morgantown calling upon the other daughters to participate. Shinkovich said they hope to keep that tradition going.
“It’s really nice because this is something all the chapters in Morgantown participate in. I did hear Brenda say we just really encourage people to read the Constitution. To know about local government, city government, all kinds of government and get involved,” Jane Lark said.
