Video by Bill Sorem; Text by Michael McIntee and Bill Sorem

Veterans for Peace marked Armistice Day, also known now as Veterans Day with a ceremony.

“On the 11th day, 11th hour, 11th month
Bells were rung throughout the world
in joy and in sorrow.”

(bells ring eleven times)

“War had had it’s day.
Let’s work toward that end.”

The Great War (it was not World War One until World War Two began) ended with an Armistice effective 11 AM November 11, 1918. Bells were rung around the world. Part of the significance of the bell ringing was the fact that few bells remained. Many bells had been melted down for guns.

Armistice Day was created on by Congress in 1926 to commemorate the signing. It became a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954 it was renamed Veterans Day.