235th Anniversary Of Signing Of The U.S. Constitution Commemoration In Historic Dandridge
Bells rang out both in Dandridge and across America on Saturday afternoon, September 17, in commemoration of the 235th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Just as the bells sounded throughout Philadelphia when the original document was signed, they rang again in joyful celebration as the Martha Dandridge Washington Chapter (MDW), National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), hosted the annual U.S. Constitution Day Bell Ringing at the historic bell in front of the Jefferson County Board of Education Building. The first Constitution Day Bell Ringing was held in Dandridge in 2016.
Festivities began with a procession of MDW members and children across the Dandridge Bridge to the front steps of the Historic Courthouse where Regent Janet Guyett welcomed all those present with inspiring words and quotations from Presidents John Adams and George Washington.
Chaplain Glenda Roach gave the invocation, and Brad Kirby, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Jefferson County Mayor Dr. Mark Potts shared remarks and read a proclamation naming September 17-23 as Constitution Week 2022 in Jefferson County.
MDW 1st Vice Regent and DAR Service to Veterans Carolyn Mitchell recognized the veterans in attendance and thanked them for the part they play in local patriotic events.
Maddie Puckett, an 8th grader from Rutledge, read her winning essay in the DAR Constitution Week Essay Contest sponsored by the MDW Chapter. Eighth grade students in Jefferson and Grainger counties were given the prompt: “What part of the Constitution (including the Bill of Rights) do you think was the most important and had the greatest impact on Americans today? Justify your answer with text evidence.” Winner Puckett invoked such historic powerhouses as Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, who led in the movement to give women their rights. Following the reading, MDW Community Classroom Committee Chair Karen Bible presented her with a gift card.
Cashauna Lattimore, Jefferson County Assistant Public Defender, thrilled the audience with her inspiring rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
MDW Constitution Week Chair Rebecca Lee, who has worked tirelessly since July in preparation for the event, acknowledged others who had contributed their time and energy to make the program a success. She especially thanked Director of Tourism Lauren Hurdle for helping to navigate such important tasks as getting approval for the parade, getting banners and flags placed, and coordinating details with the Office of the Mayor. Chairman Lee prepared packets containing lesson materials and bells for every 8th grade student in every public school in Jefferson and Grainger counties. Activity sheets and the book We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States were shared with all 1st graders in both counties. Colorful posters encouraging students to remember the signing of the precious document which established the framework of our Republic were also distributed to the schools.
Following the benediction by Chaplain Roach, Jefferson County Historian Bob Jarnagin led the group to the black bell in front of the Board of Education Building. There, he shared some history of the old, black school bell and led a group recitation of The Preamble to the United State Constitution. As he proceeded to ring the historic bell, the audience chimed in with handheld bells. Bells Across America were once more rung in Jefferson County.
For information about the DAR, contact MDW Registrar McFarland at (865) 258-8670 or Regent Guyett at (865) 712-8782.
Jefferson County Historian Bob Jarnagin enlightens the crowd regarding the
history of the black school bell mounted in front of the Jefferson County
School Board Building. A few moments later, he rang the school bell while the
members of the crowd rang handheld bells as part of Bells Across America on
Constitution Day 2022.
Photo submitted by Jane Busdeker
Maddie Puckett, an 8th grader from Rutledge, inspires her listeners
with her winning essay in the DAR Constitution Day Essay Contest.
Photo submitted by Jane Busdeker
Wayne Ferguson and grandson Ezekiel Turner (3) take shelter from the
hot sun as they await the beginning of the Constitution Day program in
Dandridge. Bashful Nehemiah Turner (3) peeks out from behind the tree.
Photo submitted by Jane Busdeker
Photo submitted by Jane Busdeker
Marchers prepare for procession across the Dandridge Bridge. In front from left are Prospective Member Chase Winegar and Member River McFarland, James White Fort Society, National Society, Children of the American Revolution. In back from left are MDW NSDAR Registrar and grandmother of the two boys Karen McFarland, Constitution Week Chair Rebecca Lee, Pending Member Marian Knight, Past Regent Jane Chambers, Parliamentarian Linda Null Bonner, and Member Susie Jarnagin.
Submitted by Jane Busdeker, Corresponding Secretary, MDW Chapter, NSDAR,
