Bell from Tyler Memorial Presbyterian Church in Radford, VA

Ringing Through the Republic

At 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, bells will ring out across the country to commemorate the 248th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. As part of the VA250 initiative, this synchronized bell-ringing ceremony honors the enduring legacy of liberty, unity, and self-governance that was established in 1787.

Set against the backdrop of Virginia’s foundational role in shaping American democracy, this commemorative moment invites citizens, families, schools, churches, and civic groups to join together in a solemn yet uplifting act of remembrance. Bells will toll at courthouses, historic sites, and gathering places throughout the Commonwealth—and we invite you to join the chorus.

“Let the bells of freedom echo across the Commonwealth and beyond.”

How to Participate:

You don’t have to be at a formal ceremony to join in. Here's how:

• Ring a bell at your location at exactly 4:00 PM local time—a church bell, a handheld bell, a dinner bell, or even a symbolic phone chime.

• Gather with family, friends, students, or neighbors for a brief moment of reflection on the importance of the Constitution and its enduring significance.

• Share your bell-ringing moment on social media using hashtags like #VA250, #RingForFreedom, #248Bells, or #WeThePeople.

• Organize a mini-ceremony at a local school, civic group, or historical site and invite others to join you in person or virtually.

Whether standing on a farm field, in a classroom, or beside a church steeple—your bell matters.

Historical Note:

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, making September 17, 2025, the 248th anniversary of that historic occasion. This nationwide bell-ringing event is part of the official commemoration of the American Revolution 250 Commission in Virginia.