By Caitlin Hamon

This Veterans Day marks a special anniversary: the 100th year since the armistice of World War I. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, Germany and the Allied powers of the Great War signed the armistice for the cessation of hostilities. The world changed as a result of “the war to end all wars”: four empires fell, the dynastic rule of several aristocracies ended, and a number of new independent nations formed. The U.S. also was profoundly affected. When the U.S. entered the conflict April 6, 1917, more than 4.7 million Americans volunteered to serve in uniform; 2 million were deployed overseas; and, of that number, 116,516 Americans died and over 200,000 were wounded in only 200 days of combat.

Though no national memorial dedicated to World War I veterans exists in Washington, D.C., there still are ways to commemorate the actions of these brave Americans and honor their memory.

The World War One Centennial Commission - in collaboration with the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars - has organized a bell toll across the nation. This program, Bells of Peace, has organized communities, houses of worship, military posts, and cemeteries across the country to gather and honor the veterans who served and fought 100 years ago. The bell toll will take place at 11 a.m. local time Sunday, Nov. 11, and will toll slowly 21 times at five-second intervals.

This event is unprecedented. Since May 13, 1938, when Congress declared Nov. 11 a federal holiday, there has been no cohesive effort throughout the nation to join together as one for a solemn moment of remembrance of our dead from World War I, for whom this day was founded.

Why bells? Bells have long been used as a traditional way to announce the passing of a loved one, and today a slow toll often is used at funeral services. The Bells of Peace program seeks to inspire today's generations to reflect on the millions who served in World War I and not let their memory be forgotten.

Get involved

If you're interested in participating in this initiative, there are several ways to do so:

• Join in one of the program's commemorative bell tolls already taking place. You can learn about opportunities for participation at the local level by visiting www.ww1cc.org/bells. You also can follow along on social media using #TolltheBell.
• Build your own state proclamation using the World War One Centennial Commission's template. In addition to notifying your representatives, this will inform the community, inspiring them to gather together to honor all veterans, past and present.
• Contact your local community institutions, such as county courthouses, town hall, or state capitol buildings that might have bells and invite them to participate. Find out if your local fire house or house of worship has a bell and encourage them to join in tolling. You can pledge participation of your organization here.
• In Washington, D.C., the National Cathedral will hold an interfaith service Nov. 11.