The bell at Holy Spirit Anglican Church in Whonnock BC rang 100 times at sunset on November 11.  This was an initiative of Veterans Affairs Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Anglican Church of Canada to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and to make a plea for peace.  The bell at Holy Spirit predates World War I and so, it was pointed out, would have been heard by those in the neighbourhood who left to enlist.   Eighty-seven neighbours and parishioners (including twenty-six children) packed the sanctuary to ring the bell.  They also brought their family stories of those who served and those bereaved - and their comments on how they love to hear the bells ring on Sunday mornings, and it was astonishing to discover how far away they can be heard!

The first five bell ringers were: a man born in Belgium who represented all people whose homes and lands are devastated by war; a couple whose grandfathers served in World War I (one of whom died from his injuries) who represented all families decimated by war; and two young men, aged 19 and 22, who represented exactly the age group of those who left the neighbourhood to enlist and the energy and productivity which would have been lost from the community with their absence. Attendees then took their turn ringing the bell.  Some rings had less oomph than others, but as one participant pointed out, some victims of war are small and weak too.

A moment of silence and reflection in darkness happened between the 99th and 100th ring.

We put this together in a few days after hearing at the last minute about this initiative - and it was a profound and poignant time of respect and commitment.  Thanks to all who participated.

Jean Davidson