Back in 1994, Congressman Harris Fawell and his wife, Ruth, hosted a Constitution Day ceremony at Naper Settlement that included a facsimile of the U.S. Constitution for individuals of all ages to sign. To commemorate the occasion, folks were presented with “I signed the Constitution” buttons and pocket-size copies of the supreme law of the United States. (Penick File Photo, 1994)
Naperville’s Fort Payne NSDAR again commemorates Constitution Day
Updated Post, 2:50PM Sept. 17, 2026 / Regent, Fort Payne Chapter, Karen Hartsfield (back left) recited the following message for the group of bellringers gathered at the base of the 160-ft. Moser Tower along the Naperville Riverwalk.
“On this date in 1787, the Constitution of the United States was signed in Philadelphia. What does that mean for us as citizens of this country?
“The new document addressed weaknesses in the prior framework for government, called the Articles of Confederation. As a type of rulebook, the Constitution created a stronger form of governing, without allowing tyranny.
“‘We the people’ means government authority comes from citizens. We are the ones to whom all government representatives owe accountability. As a voter, you can help set the nation’s agenda. Even if you’re not voting age yet, you can lay the groundwork of civil discourse and what’s needed for a balance of individual rights with collective security.
“Our Constitution allows laws to be created, interpreted and enforced. That process creates tensions that ought to lead to us through debate, does place checks on unjust attitudes and behavior. Its aim is to prevent abuse. And if we don’t know which rights the Constitution guarantees, then we’re unable to be watchdogs protecting those rights.
“If we don’t know the rights guaranteed, then we’re likely to lose them. And so, we do the work to connect fairness and civil discourse, to balance privacy and free speech, so that improvements can occur over time.
“People who act out have rights, too. How do we protect their rights while also protecting everyone around them?
“The Constitution is a document that works when we pay attention. And so, the DAR, which asked for Constitution Week during the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration, back in 1955, celebrates across the nation with bells, just like the church bells that joyously resounded in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787.”
Seated in the Carillonneur’s Cabin, situated within the belfry levels, just below the upper belfry at about 138 feet high, and promptly at 3PM, Naperville City Carillonneur Tim Sleep performed a meaningful medley of American songs that included “America, the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “Star Spangled Banner.”
Updated Post, 9:40AM Sept. 17, 2026 / Mayor Scott Wehrli welcomed members of Naperville’s Fort Payne NSDAR to the Mayor’s Conference Room for a brief remembrance regarding the importance of the Constitution of the United States.
Mayor Wehrli noted that every time he swears in a new member of the Naperville Police Department or Naperville Fire Department to serve, he’s reminded that the men and women swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois with the meaningful words “to the best of my ability.”
Original Post, Sept. 14, 2026 / Multiple local schools, Naperville Libraries and the City of Naperville will celebrate Constitution Week Sept. 17-23, an annual tradition maintained by Naperville’s Fort Payne NSDAR, according to DAR member Wrenne Jakubiak.
Bell-ringing Schedule on Constitution Day, Thurs., Sept. 17
8AM: Brookdale Elementary School, 1200 Redfield Rd., Naperville. Children will raise the flag and toll the school bell.
9:30AM: Mayor Scott Wehrli will present Fort Payne Chapter NSDAR chapter with a formal proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23 Constitution Week.
2:15PM: Naper Elementary School, 39 S. Eagle St., Naperville, will ring the original school bell located in its bell tower.
2:45-3PM: Veterans’ Clubs from Naperville Central and Naperville North are invited to join Fort Payne DAR members on the steps of Moser Tower with the 72-bell Carillon to ring handbells at the precise moment the church bells of Philadelphia rang out when the U.S. Constitution first was signed at 4PM (EST) on Sept. 17, 1787.
Chapter Regent Karen Hartsfield will address the gathering, and Naperville City Carillonneur Tim Sleep will play patriotic songs. The public is warmly invited to attend.
3PM: Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School, 36 N Ellsworth St., Naperville, will ring its bell as will St. Raphael Catholic School, 1215 Modaff Rd.
Throughout the week, posters and activities will be on display in each of the three libraries to promote the U.S. Constitution.
Individuals are welcome to pick up a pocket-size version of the U.S. Constitution at Naperville Public Libraries and learn more about the Preamble, the Bill of Rights and how Americans became “We the People.”
Editor’s Note / Many bell-ringing patriots likely consider that the founding of the United States of America was a profound transformation in thought. It’s hardly an original thought that General George Washington and the revolution brought forth ideas rooted in liberty, personal responsibility, faith and moral courage. As communities throughout the country recognize Constitution Day 2026 during this imperfect nation’s 250th anniversary year, take a moment to appreciate the ideas, courage and vision of America’s Founders. Pause to reflect on the enduring relevance of America’s founding principles as detailed by James Madison and written in the Constitution of the United States for “We the People.”
