The Royal Canadian Legion, in partnership with the Government of Canada, encourages all communities and individuals, young and old, to participate in Bells of Peace, a commemorative initiative to honour the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Bells of Peace will mark the occasion 100 years ago when church bells across Canada rang out to share the news that the First World War was over.
As the sun goes down, a bell or bells will be rung 100 times at community locations across the country to honour the sacrifices of Canadians who served in the 1914-1918 War, and to remembers the horrors of war, the costs to society, and the promise of peace.
As bells toll to remember the 650,000 who served, close to 66,000 killed, and more than 172,000 wounded, many communities will also commemorate the local people and events that link their community to the Great War. A soundwave of bells across the nation will help tell a historical journey of Canada’s service and sacrifice during the First World War.
Leading up to Remembrance Day, Bells of Peace will engage youth by encouraging school-aged children to research Canadian First World War Veterans and honour them by placing a Canadian flag on their grave sites.
The Legion and the Government of Canada have forwarded information packages to Legion branches, provincial and regional government departments, cities, towns and communities, the Canadian Armed Forces, school boards, cadet organizations, church organizations, and national carillonneurs with information on coordinating Bells of Peace in their communities.
The Legion explains on its website how communities and individuals can promote Bells of Peace. The promotional information includes a speech, media advisory, and posters. Among the ways to participate are:
- Legion Branches, or community organizers, will arrange for a community bell or carillon to toll on the evening of November 11, 2018.
- At the official time of the setting of the sun on November 11, 2018, bells will toll 100 times, with 5 seconds between each toll.
- Where a community bell or carillon is not available, individuals can toll a hand bell.
- Where available, ask a descendant of a First World War veteran, or someone who has a direct connection to the First World War, to ring the bells at the ceremony.
- Organizers may include an activity that reflects remembrance of the First World War that would be specific to your community (for example, telling a story of a local Veteran, lighting candles for local Veterans, or highlighting a significant location in your community involved in the war efforts). Encourage descendants of veterans of the First World War from your community to attend the ceremony.
Social media
Bells of Peace will be promoted through social media, using the hashtags, #100Bells and #100Cloches.
This is a fantastic idea. My Father was wounded badly in the Battle of Amiens, Aug. 9th 1918.
One of my uncles died of Spanish flu on Nov. 10th 1918, – was a soldier in the Canadian expeditionary Force. His brother was gassed in battle also in 1918.
My Dad & I went for many years to Toronto City Hall Cenotaph for the Nov. 11th Remembrance Day service.
This anniversary is so important. Children should be given a lot of information about it and its meaning.
I have 2 great grandchildren ages 5 & 7 & sincerely hope their teachers will be making them aware of what it means.