Commission Proclamations

Bells of Peace: A World War I Remembrance - Calling for All Americans Everywhere to Toll Bells on November 11

A World War I Commemoration - Calling for All Americans to Pause and Remember their World War I Veterans

All Military Services Will Participate in Bells of Peace!

United States Navy

ALLNAV Order to the Navy: 100th Anniversary of the End of WWI Planning Order

Chief of Naval Operations Planning Order: 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I 

United States Army

ALARACT Order to the Army:  Bells of Peace: A World War I Remembrance

United States Coast Guard

ALCOAST Order to the Coast Guard:  Paying Tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I

United States Air Force

American Legion Resolution

Resolution as approved at 100th Convention

State Governor Proclamations  / County and City Proclamations

Send your proclamation to us at TollTheBells@worldwar1centennial.org!

Alabama   /    Limestone County, Alabama

Alaska

American Samoa 

Arkansas    /     Bentonville, Arkansas   Little Rock, Arkansas

Arizona -  /  Prescott Valley, Arizona 

California  /  Alameda, California  Buena Park, California  Diamond Bar, California

            Los Angeles, California

            Oakley, California Oceanside, California   

            Perris, California   Placentia, California

            Pleasant Hill, California  Pomona, California  Rancho Palos Verdes, California  Rancho Cordova, California

             Riverbank, California   Riverside, California  Rohnert Park, California  Roseville, California

             Santa Clarita, California  Santa Cruz, California  San Dimas, California  San Marcos, California  

             San Mateo, California  Santa Monica, California   Simi Valley, California  Sunnyvale, California                     

             Thousand Oaks, California   Turlock, California  Vacaville, California  Vallejo, California 

            Buena Ventura, California   Vista, California    West Hollywood, California

Colorado  

Connecticut  /  East Hartford, Connecticut   Essex, Connecticut    Norwalk, Connecticut

Delaware 

District of Columbia  /  District of Columbia City Council

Florida  /  Aventura, Florida  Bonita Springs, Florida  Coconut Creek, Florida   Hollywood, Florida 

                Jacksonville, Florida Memorial Park Association

                Lake Worth, Florida  Largo, Florida  Melbourne, Florida   Pinellas Park, Florida     Titusville, Florida  

Georgia   /Carroll County, Georgia  Douglasville, Georgia  Dunwoody, Georgia

                Woodstock, Georgia

Guam

Hawaii  /  County of Hawai'i

Idaho -   / Idaho Falls, Idaho

Illinois  /  Bolingbrook, Illinois  Evanston, Illinois   Westmont, Illinois

Indiana / Carmel, Indiana

Iowa  /  Bettendorf, Iowa  Cedar Rapids, Iowa  Des Moines, Iowa

Kansas /   De Soto, Kansas  Lenexa, Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana   /  New Iberia, Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts  /  Plymouth, Massachusetts   Springfield, Massachusetts  

             West Springfield, Massachusetts     Weymouth, Massachusetts      Worcester, Massachusetts

Michigan   /  Bay City, Michigan   Jackson, Michigan

Minnesota  / Maplewood, Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri   / Kansas City, Missouri  O'Fallon, Missouri   St. Joseph, Missouri   Wentzville, Missouri

Montana 

Nebraska - / Columbus, Nebraska

Nevada /  Sparks, Nevada

New Hampshire 

New Jersey  /  Camden, New Jersey  Fair Lawn, New Jersey   Hoboken, New Jersey   Kearney, New Jersey     

                       Linden, New Jersey   Washington TWP, New Jersey

                        Piscataway Township, New Jersey

New Mexico  / Clovis, New Mexico

New York /   Colchester, New York  Huntington, New York  Mount Pleasant, New York   Oyster Bay, New York   

                   Penfield, New York   Rochester, New York   Rome, New York

                   Schenectady, New York  Yonkers, New York  

North Carolina  / Butner, North Carolina   Burlington, North Carolina    Franklinton, North Carolina     Goldsboro, North Carolina  

               Huntersville, North Carolina   Kinston, North Carolina          Kittrell, North Carolina           Oxford, North Carolina

North Dakota

Northern Mariana Islands 

Ohio  / Canton, Ohio      Cleveland, Ohio    Delaware, Ohio    Fayette County, Ohio

             Gahanna, Ohio   Highland County, Ohio  Hudson, Ohio      Youngstown, Ohio

Oklahoma 

Oregon  / Myrtle Creek, Oregon

Pennsylvania   Pennsylvania Senate Resolution 451  /  Erie County, Pennsylvania  York, Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico 

Rhode Island  / Coventry, Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee 

Texas  / Chappell Hill, Washington County, Texas  College Station, Texas  Euless, Texas  Hurst, Texas  Irving, Texas  La Porte, Texas        

                             Sugar Land, Texas

Utah /  Clearfield City, Utah

Vermont

Virginia  /     Chesapeake, Virginia    Hampton, Virginia

Virgin Islands

Washington  /  Marysville, Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin / Appleton, Wisconsin  Green Bay, Wisconsin 

Wyoming 

Build Your Own Proclamation

Choose and copy paragraphs for your state, local government, or organization's proclamation calling for bell tolling throughout your community!  Be sure to send a copy of your proclamation to TollTheBells@worldwar1centennial.org so everyone can see how your community plans to honor our World War I veterans.

 Bells of Peace: A World War I Remembrance

A National Tolling of Bells to Honor Those Who Served in the Great War

WHEREAS, a century ago 4.7 million American families sent their sons and daughters off to World War I;

WHEREAS, men and women from the (state, city, community) of (.....) served selflessly and honorably in World War I; 

WHEREAS, 116,516 Americans gave their lives in the war, and more than 200,000 were wounded;

WHEREAS, the tolling of bells is a traditional expression of honor and remembrance; and 

WHEREAS, in November 2018 the world will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in World War I at 11:00 a.m., November 11, 1918 -- the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month;

WHEREAS, on April 6, 2018, the United States World War I Centennial Commission called upon all Americans across the nation to toll bells in remembrance of those who served in World War I on Armistice Day, November 11, 2018;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the (state, city, town, community) of (name)  does hereby call upon all Americans across the nation to toll bells in remembrance of those who served in World War I at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2018.

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration

Anyone can participate in the special program

CLICK TO PLEDGE YOUR PARTICIPATION

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration

Below you will find answers to the questions our participants have asked about the bell tolling. If you have a question that is not addressed here Contact Us and we will be happy to answer it!

What is the National Bell Tolling?

Bells of Peace: A National World War I Remembrance is a national tolling of bells to honor those who served in the Great War. The United States participated from April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918.

Why should we toll the bells?

Tolling of bells is the traditional way to mark someone’s passing. On special national occasions, bells are tolled in honor of the fallen. November 11 is the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended hostilities in World War I. In the war, 116,516 Americans died and over 200,000 were wounded.

When is the National Bell Tolling?

On Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. local time across the United States and its territories.

Where will the National Bell Tolling take place?

In communities, houses of worship, cemeteries, military installations, ships at sea - anywhere that Americans gather to honor their veterans.

Who is sponsoring the National Bell Tolling?

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission is the sponsor. The Commission was created by Act of Congress in 2013 to honor, commemorate, and educate the public about American participation in World War I. The Pritzker Military Museum and Library, our founding sponsor, also endorses this event.  Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion are partners, as are the National Cathedral and the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  State World War I commissions and other partners are encouraged to co-sponsor and publicize the event.

How can my community group participate?

At 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 11, toll your bells slowly 21 times with a five-second interval between tolls. Groups that do not have bells can render the salute by other available means such as guns, cannons, rifles, and sirens.  No bell? No worries. We have a free downloadable smartphone APP that can be used privately or with public address systems.  Look for "Bells of Peace" on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

How can I download and customize participation certificates for my participants?

Click here.  You may distribute as many certificates as you like.

Why is it important to toll the bells 21 times?  We would rather toll our bell once in honor of each of our local veterans killed in combat.

The 21 tolls of the bell symbolize the nation's highest honor.  It is based on the 21-gun salute, whose origin is described here.  We suggest you toll your bells 21 times, and follow that with an individual toll for each veteran you wish to honor, stating their name before each toll.  The ceremony could conclude with Taps or a solemn reading. 

Your logo is very attractive.  Can we use it to promote our bell tolling?  

Yes.  You can download and use 4 types of logos at these links:  Header  Logo  Logo in Frame  Icon  Choose the one that best meets your needs.  Just resize it in proportion and do not distort the image!

Where can I get more information?

www.ww1cc.org/bells.  At this link, you will be able to find suggestions for songs, poems, and other content you can use for your community event. You can also upload photos, videos, and information about your event, and find links to education and other World War I Centennial information.

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration

Here is the program for the Interfaith Sacred Service on November 11, 2018 at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.  

Other Ceremony Content Ideas:

Hymns:  Eternal Father, Strong to Save (Navy Hymn),  Battle Hymn of the Republic

Music:  Loeffler’s Music for 4 Stringed Instruments : https://www.naxos.com/mainsite/blurbs_reviews.asp?item_code=8.559077&catNum=559077&filetype=About%20this%20Recording&language=English#

Poems:  Hymn of Dead Soldiers by Walt Whitman, The Death of a Soldier by Wallace Stevens, There was a Crimson Clash of War by Stephen Crane, Adieu to a Soldier by Walt Whitman, The Children by Rudyard Kipling, Recessional by Rudyard Kipling, Lament by F.S. Flint, The Parable of the Old Man and the Young by Wilfred Owen, Aftermath by Siegfried Sassoon, In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, And There Was a Great Calm by Thomas Hardy (On the Signing of the Armistice, 11 Nov. 1918) Grass by Carl Sandburg, Soldier’s Dream by Wilfred Owen, Perhaps by Vera Brittain, The March of the Dead by Robert William Service, Survivors by Siegfried Sassoon, Does it Matter? by Siegfried Sassoon, I Have a Rendezvous with Death by Alan Seeger, For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, 

 Other Suggestions for Commemorative Services:

The Church of England First World War Memorial Service Suggestions

United Methodist Church: Suggestions for Observing Veterans' Day in Worship

Solemnly read the names of your community's World War I veterans

Submit your ideas to us at Tollthebells@worldwar1centennial.org and we will post them to our website

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration

The Big Parade (1925)

Wings (1927)

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Hell’s Angels (1930)

The Grand Illusion (1937)

Dawn Patrol (1938)

The Fighting 69th (1940)

Sergeant York (1941)

For Me and My Gal (1942)

Paths of Glory (1957)

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Gallipoli (1981)

War Horse (2011)

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration

WWI Era Music Sources For Your Centennial Armistice Event 

Wikipedia: Over 200 World War I songs

Library of Congress: World War I Sheet Music

University of California-Santa Barbara:  Cylinder Archive of World War I Music

Carillon and Tower Bell Repertoire for Armistice Day by Dr. Tiffany Ng, Assistant Professor of Carillon, University of Michigan

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration

Commission Press Releases

October 5, 2018:  Nationwide BELLS OF PEACE project now has a free SmartPhone App:  Ingenious features will help mark the 100th of WWI's end on November 11th  Read Entire Release

July 3, 2018:    WWI COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 'BELLS OF PEACE' ON ARMISTICE CENTENNIAL:
Nationwide Bell-Tolling on November 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. will honor the 116,516 American men & women
who died in WWI.   Read Entire Release

Other Press Releases

Governor of New Jersey - October 10, 2018

Epiphany Chapel and Church House - the Only World War I Chapel in the United States - October 17, 2018

Articles

Bells of Peace will Ring Again - by Jim Garamone, defense.gov

Bells of Peace Campaign Honors the Centennial of WW1 Ending with a Digital Assist - connectingvets.com

Bells of Peace Expands with Mobile App - The American Legion Website

Bells of Peace to Ring Nov 11 - The American Legion Website

WW1 Commission Announces Bells of Peace on Armistice Centennial - La Grange News

World War I Commission announces 'Bells of Peace' - Americus Times Recorder, Americus, GA

Bells of Peace Partner: Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge - World War I Centennial Commission Dispatch

Veteran's Day Bell Tolling Proclamation in Maryland - military.com

Bell ringers, Your Country Needs You for WW1 Centenary - Sky News

Maryland to Join in National Tolling of Bells Honoring WWI Vets - The BayNet.com

Bell Ringers Sought for WWI Centennial - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Bells in Area to Toll on Recognizing Century Since End of WW!Bells in Area to Toll on Recognizing Century Since End of WW! - Williamsport, PA Sun-Gazette 

Meet the Woman Who's in Charge of Ringing the Bells at the National Cathedral - Washington Post, Feb. 10, 2017

Falls Township Adopts Bells of Peace Proclamation - Buckslocalnews.com (Pennsylvania)

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration 

Ways to get the word out...

Here are some ideas for how to reach out within your state, city, town, and community so everyone learns about Bells for Peace!

Where to Start 

 Call your local Chamber of Commerce for help in finding houses of worship and other institutions in your community that have bells.

 Call your local Fire Department to ask if they have bells that can be rung from the firehouse or ladder truck.

 Look up military cemeteries in your area and call the superintendents to ask that they toll their bells.

 Search in your browser for "Bell Towers in (your region or county) ...." and call those who have bells.

 Check with your town hall, county courthouse, or state capital to find out if they have bells.

 Contact universities and schools in your area that may have bells.

 Contact houses of worship in your area and ask that they toll their bells.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration

All About Taps

Taps is played at the conclusion of military funerals, and at solemn national occasions.

How did Taps originate?   (History Stories)

 Score for Taps: (US Army Music)

Taps Video:  (Pershing's Own US Army Band)  

for YOUR Bells of Peace Armistice Commemoration