Bells Across America

• 30 September 2026
• Category: District 3 SJC News
• Tags: 2026

The local chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution held a Constitution Day event.

The Maria Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted its annual Constitution Day event, Bells Across America, on September 17, 2026, in downtown St. Augustine. This nationwide celebration honors the signing of the U.S. Constitution, with bells ringing for two minutes at 4 p.m. This annual nationwide event commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Chair Clay Murphy was one of the program’s featured speakers.

The program also included the Presentation of the Colors by the St. Augustine High JROTC, the National Anthem by the “The Blinding Lights” Show Choir from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, and the Preamble to the Constitution by Ron Birchall, President of the Military Officers Association of America.

The Maria Jefferson Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is made up of women who are direct descendants of Patriots who helped create the nation during the American Revolution. Their goals are historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Here are Chair Murphy’s remarks:

Good afternoon, everybody.

It’s an honor to be here with the Maria Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as we celebrate Constitution Day and take part in Bells Across America.

The Constitution is one of those things we can sometimes take for granted because it has been part of our country for so long. But when you stop and think about what it represents, it really is remarkable.

It established the framework for our government, protected the rights of our citizens, and created a foundation that has carried this country through generations of change.

And I think events like this are important because they give us a chance to pause and remember that our freedoms and our form of government did not happen by accident.

They came from people who believed deeply in this country and were willing to put those powerful beliefs into illuminating words that would guide generations to come.

As Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, I’m proud to represent a community that values its history, its traditions, and its responsibility to the generations that come after us.

Thank you to the Maria Jefferson Chapter for continuing to bring people together to remember our Constitution and what it means to our country.

As freedom rings across America, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on what we’re celebrating and how fortunate we are to be part of this country.

God bless you, God bless St. Johns County, and God bless the United States of America.