Bells of Peace to ring
“Bells of Peace: A World War One Remembrance,” encourages citizens and organizations across the nation to toll bells in their communities 21 times at 11 a.m. local time Tuesday, Nov. 11, as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans of the Great War, and all veterans.
The nationwide program is designed to honor Americans who served 100 years ago during WWI, especially the 116,516 who died. The war ended by an armistice agreement at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918.
“I encourage all American Legion posts to not only participate, but to encourage participation at local houses of worship, schools, town halls, firehouses, police stations—anywhere people may gather on that day to honor and remember,” says John Monahan, the Legion’s representative on the WWI Centennial Commission.
The commission has a page on its website ww1cc.org/bells, where people can find poetry, music, sacred service options and more. Individuals and organizations can sign up online to participate in the bell-tolling, and follow-up with photos and video of their service or ceremony.