Battleship Iowa observes Bells of Peace ceremony on Veterans Day

The Battleship Iowa, in San Pedro, joined in observing the Bells of Peace ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, striking 21 tolls to honor America’s veterans and commemorate the end of World War I.

The bells rang at 11 a.m., marking the exact moment the armistice took effect to end World War I in 1918, and in conjunction with the nationwide observance.

Communities, churches, military installations and individuals across the country take part in the solemn observance on Veterans Day each year, ringing bells 21 times in remembrance, the number symbolizing the nation’s highest honor and mirroring the tradition of the 21-gun salute.

The observances are coordinated by organizations such as the Doughboy Foundation at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I and the 116,516 who lost their lives along allied forces.

Three speakers followed the ceremony on board the Battleship Iowa: Mike Nguyen, director of programs for the Battleship Iowa; Allen Stubblefield (retired U.S. Navy, commanding officer within the Surface Warfare Officer community, responsible for the safety, readiness, maintenance and battle execution on a surface warship); and L.A. veterinarian/pathologist Suzana Tkalcic, a Balkan War survivor from Croatia, who spoke about her experience, the meaning of Veterans Day and the value of veterans in society.

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