Doughboy Foundation sponsors annual Bells of Peace Ceremony Monday November 11, 2024

The Doughboy Foundation will sponsor the annual Bells of Peace Ceremony on Monday November 11, 2024. Bells of Peace commemorates the end of World War I and pays tribute to the 116,516 Americans who died during that conflict. November 11 is Veterans Day which honors military Veterans in the United States Armed Forces.

Originally the date was known as Armistice Day which commemorated the cessation of hostilities in WWI and is observed in other countries as Remembrance Day. In addition to remembering the original intent of Armistice Day we also honor the service of all American Veterans.

At The National World War I Memorial in Washington DC we will remember and observe the original intent of November 11 with a multi-national commemoration ceremony and observe the day with a program remembering the 4.7 million Americans who served and all those who served with other nations.  This year we will honor the work being done to award the US Army women telephone operators, known as the Hello Girls, the Congressional Gold Medal.  Speaking on their behalf will be descendants of two of the Hello Girls: Carolyn Timbe, granddaughter of Hello Girls Chief Operator Grace Banker, and Catherine Bourgin, granddaughter of Hello Girls operator Marie Edmee LeRoux.

Jack Monahan

General François Lecointre

Our main speaker will be former WWI Centennial Commissioner Mr. John Monahan. A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, John Monahan served in uniform both as an enlisted soldier and as an officer. His military career was wide-ranging, including duties as a rifleman, tank company commander, foreign area expert, staff officer, linguist, and arms-control inspector. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree in European studies from Cornell University. Since his retirement from the Army in 1995, Monahan has been active in veterans leadership at the local, state, and national levels. He served as a WWI Centennial Commissioner from 2017-2024.

In addition, French General François Lecointre will offer brief remarks before awarding the Legion of Honor/French Order of the Merit to United States and French service members.

Wreaths will be presented from embassies and Veteran organizations. The National WWI brass bell will be rung 21 times and the solemn bugle calls of Aux Morts, Last Post, and Taps will be sounded in honor of those who gave their lives during WWI.

The National World War I Memorial is located on Pennsylvania Ave between 14 th  and 15 th  streets.