Ringing 11 Bells For Peace

Each year, Veterans for Peace chapters across the nation meet in major cities to celebrate and remember the original Armistice Day as was done at the end of World War I, when the world came together in realization that war is so horrible we must end it now.  Fighting ceased in the "war to end all wars" on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Congress responded to a universal hope among Americans for no more wars by passing a resolution calling for “exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding … inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.” Later, Congress added that November 11th was to be “a day dedicated to the cause of world peace.” 

Armistice Day is a reminder of the day that leaders came together to end the “war to end all wars.” However, we must also acknowledge that many soldiers had already determined that the fighting must end, during the Christmas Truce in 1914.  As you likely already know, VFP is celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Christmas Truce this year, along with many allies across the world.

Expect an e-mail from Casey on November 12th, as we enter the last few weeks leading up to December 24th. During that time, we want to tell the story of the Christmas Truce and explain the importance of the spontaneous decision of rival soldiers’ to lay down their weapons. This Armistice Day, in addition to hosting a local event, we are asking that members try to tie in the Christmas Truce message.  You can learn more about the Christmas Truce Campaign here. 

Please consider hosting your own local Armistice Day event this year! Many chapters choose to ring bells, but other ceremonies include: Chalk Art, Candle Vigil, Marches, Street Theatre, Poetry Readings, or Reading of Names of the Fallen. Register your event here. If you would like some brochures, tabling materials, and button to give out at your event, email casey@veteransforpeace.org.

Here are some ways that you can get involved with Armistice Day efforts:

• Reach out to clergy, invite them to participate in your event. Invite community members, local allies, and friends to join in the event. You can use the Armistice Invitation Letter, drafted by members in VFP Chapter 27.
• Download the press release, provided by VFP National, and distribute to local media.
• Share the “peace bell” image on social media. 
• You can use these sample tweets for Twitter:
  • @VFPNational rings bells 11 times on #ArmisticeDay instead of shooting guns into the air #VeteransDay #Peace
  • #ArmisticeDay is a day of #peace. Celebrate by ringing 11 bells #VeteransDay @VFPNational
  • WWI was "a war to end war." Celebrating its end was celebrating the end of all wars #ArmisticeDay #Peace #VeteransDay @VFPNational
  • Celebrate #ArmisticeDay by ringing 11 bells at 11am today #VeteransDay @VFPNAtional
  • Bells rung on the 11th month, the 11th day, at 11am in 1918, celebrate end of WWI "the war to end all wars" @VFPNational #ArmisticeDay
• Learn More About Armistice Day, and share the facts:
  • The Learning Site: November 11th, 1918
  • FirstWorldWar.com: The Armistice 

All participants are asked to read and share the Armistice Day Statement

“The Armistice of 1918 ended the terrible slaughter of World War I.  The U.S. alone had experienced the death of over 116,000 soldiers, plus many more who were physically and mentally disabled.  For one moment, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the world agreed World War I must be considered the WAR TO END ALL WARS. There was exuberant joy everywhere, and many churches rang their bells, some 11 times at 11 a.m. November 11, when the Armistice was signed.  For many years this practice endured, and then slowly, it faded away.  Now we do it again.  We ring the bells 11 times, with a moment of silence, to remember the many soldiers and civilians killed and injured by warfare, and to make our own commitment to work for peace, in our family, our church, our community, our nation, our world.

GOD BLESS THE ENTIRE WORLD.”