Above / Early on a rainy Constitution Day, Army Veteran Gary Michalowski, a participant in the 10th Annual VFW Judd-A-Thon, was spotted wearing the perfect “We the People” shirt. (PN Photo and Post Updated, Sept. 17, 2023)
Constitution Day! Listen for Bells Across America…

3PM Sun., Sept. 17 / The Fort Payne Chapter, NSDAR kicks-off Constitution Week with Bells Across America, a bell-ringing at Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon along the Riverwalk. Join DAR members to hear the 72-bell carillon ring out to honor the U.S. Constitution. City Carillonneur Tim Sleep will perform beginning with a bell strike at 3PM, followed by “America,” “America the Beautiful” and the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Any Day / Commemorate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 dedicated and brave founders on September 17, 1787. Plan an hour to read the founding document that makes a difference in this nation every day. Consider the First Amendment. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Become familiar with all 27 Amendments. Note that the authority to amend the Constitution of the United States is derived from Article V of the Constitution.
Though originally proposed on Sept. 25, 1789, the last time an amendment to Constitution was ratified was May 7, 1992. Amendment 27: “No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.”
2023 Constitution Day / Let Freedom Ring
In addition to the bell ringing at Moser Tower, the Fort Payne Chapter, NSDAR kicks-off Constitution Week with an artful and inspiring video produced by videographer Thomas Hartmann. Featuring interviews with visitors in downtown Naperville, DAR member Madeline Miller asks, “What is the U.S. Constitution?”
Originally published in the September 2023 PN, posted online Sept. 14, 2023 / On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to sign the document they’d been developing for about five months. Then in 1789, after the necessary number of state ratifications, the Constitution began effectively to serve as the basis of the U.S. Government.
For 22 years, this publication has encouraged readers to observe this milestone in our nation’s history. In the past, Naperville Public Library has paid tribute to Constitution Day with a week of promotions through DAR exhibits and book recommendations, demonstrating appreciation for the U.S. and the cherished freedoms our nation’s founders secured for us.
This year, more than ever, we’re hopeful our readers will recognize and read the U.S. Constitution as it expresses the principles of federalism, also called “states’ rights.”
Understanding the 236-year-old founding document is critical. Distinguishing that the federal government has only those powers delegated to it by the Constitution, and that all other powers not forbidden to the states by the Constitution are reserved to each state, is a way to help value this great nation and its freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
For the fun of it, play PN’s Stately Word Find
In a light-hearted way to spend a little time to think about the law of the land, we created a “word find.” Look at the spellings of all 50 states. Consider challenging yourself, family and friends to find at least one word encased in each of the states in our Republic that follow our Constitution.
In other words, are you aware of the law in Delaware? And that The First State features nine words from two to five letters? Perhaps you noticed color in Colorado from Pikes Peak? Or that Kansas is really in Arkansas?
Take a moment to play along… But mostly think about the First Amendment while considering all ten amendments in the Bill of Rights, ratified December 15, 1791. And be mindful of all 27 amendments while embracing precious freedoms every day.
Below is a list of all 50 states. Before playing, write the name of each state on a piece of paper. Find one or more words within the states with letters in order, left to right. Proper names are fine. Two-letter words are OK. For instance, consider Oklahoma. A lightbulb might go off when you find an eight-letter brand name in the Keystone State.
Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming
First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Now…How many clauses are in the First Amendment?
Find the full text of the Constitution at www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript.
Thanks for reading!
—PN

2023 Constitution Week Events in Naperville
- 11AM Mon., Sept. 18 / A proclamation for Constitution Week from Naperville Mayor Scott A. Wehrli will be read at the Naperville Municipal Center.
- 1:30PM Mon., Sept. 18 / A celebratory ringing of the school bell will be held at Naper Elementary School.
- Now through Sept. 23 / Constitution Week will be recognized at three Naperville public library locations with a variety of informative and interesting public displays.
DAR seeks new members with a Revolutionary patriot in her family tree.
Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honors and preserves the legacy of patriot ancestors. To find out more about what qualifies individuals to be a member, click here.