The grand November 11th event at Honolulu's Natatorium included Bells of Peace using a U.S. Navy bell.
Bells of Peace Ring Across the United States on November 11, 2018
By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission
and
By Betsy Anderson
Program Coordinator, Bells of Peace, United States World War One Centennial Commission
Washington National CathedralBells
of Peace tolled all across America on Sunday, November 11, in solemn remembrance of the nation’s sacrifices in World War I, and in honor of all veterans.
Participating organizations and individuals numbered in the tens of thousands. Over 23,000 people downloaded the Bells of Peace Smartphone App. Among those who tolled bells were veterans’ organizations, houses of worship, veterans’ cemeteries, patriotic and civic associations, universities, national and state parks, museums, senior living homes, and restaurants.
The World War I Centennial Commission received proclamations from the states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia in support of Bells of Peace. Nationwide, 120 cities, counties, and towns also issued proclamations. Another 30 municipalities registered to join the effort, without having submitted proclamations. The full list of participating groups can be found at ww1cc.org/bells.
The experiences of those participants ranged in scale and scope. At the National Cathedral in Washington DC, over 2000 people attended the World War I Centennial Commission-hosted formal interfaith Sacred Service, in which the tolling of the Bells of Peace signaled the moment when the world transitioned from war to peace, and the hope of nations in that moment.
At the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, a large crowd looked on as Air Force JROTC Tech Sgt. Alexa Young and museum volunteer Dave Damico struck the bell 21 times during the Bells of Peace wreath laying and tolling ceremony on 11 November.In Honolulu, Hawaii, a multi-part ceremony was held at the famous Natatorium, which is a World War I memorial, and a recipient of the Commission’s 100 CITIES/100 MEMORIALS designation. The ceremony included a wreath-laying, a flyover by vintage aircraft, and the tolling of the Bells of Peace on a Navy bell. Links to Bells of Peace and Armistice Centennial Events in Hawaii can be found here, here and here.
In Kansas City, Missouri, the National World War I Museum and Memorial served as the focal point for the commemoration of the Armistice, including Bells of Peace, visual art, performance, and other events. According to Dr. Matthew Naylor, Museum and Memorial CEO and WW1CC Commissioner, over 2000 people attended each of the two ceremonies on November 11. Dr. Naylor added, “hundreds of thousands have viewed the illumination of the Memorial and Frieze, with traffic around the Memorial at a standstill each evening as people have driven by to see it.”
Links to the Kansas City ceremonies can be found here: Armistice Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6q8C3YmL2Uand here: Bells of Peace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoVmZkMwQBw
In Campbellsville, KY, former Sentinel for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Mark Farrar, told of his personal experience with Bells of Peace, in his hometown:
Had a very noteworthy Bells of Peace event at church today. At exactly 1100, 11th day, 11th month the bell of Bethel Presbyterian rang out 21 times to note the 100th anniversary of the WW1 Armistice. As the bell was being rung, the usher opened the church doors so the sound would carry into the sanctuary as the service was about to begin.
Since the service normally began at 1100, the minister was at the front of the church. After I finished with tolling of the bell, he commented that the bell had just been rung 21 times over greater Campbellsville, the reason why it was rung 21 times, the significance of the observance of the bells of peace and then asked all veterans present to rise and be recognized on the 2018 centennial Veterans Day. Many in the congregation cheered and others shouted words of praise and Thanksgiving. It was very poignant.
After the service I had four original items on display in the narthex: 1) an American WWI helmet, 2) A British service overcoat 3) a French territorial kepi and 4) a German Jagd Horn. As people passed I talked about why each item was there and what they meant for November 11th. I have included a photo of our oldest congregant who was alive when WW1 was still being fought. She commented that she heard about the war via stories from veterans when she was growing up. Glad I could be part of a centennial event.
In hundreds of other places across the nation, communities tolled their bells. Click here to see photos and videos from all over the country.
The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission was very proud to have been able to play a part in this Bells of Peace effort, and to play a role in helping remember those men and women who gave so much 100 years ago.
Bells toll at St. Mary's University, San Antonio Texas on the Armistice Day centennial. This university is the alma mater of WW1CC Commissioner Major General Alfred Valenzeula, U.S. Army (Ret.)