“Bells worldwide were therefore rung on the 11th month, the 11th day, at 11 a.m. in 1918 to celebrate and recognize the ending of WWI, ‘the war to end all wars’.”

I had the honor and privilege of attending the Vets Ministry roundtable: Art as Antidote to Moral Injury this past January 9. The meeting was opened with a ringing of the bells created by some of the Veterans present.

It was explained to me that scrap metals were rationed during World War II to build tanks, ships, planes, and weapons. The creation of these bells was their way to “reclaim the Armistice”—to beg humanity to stop the fighting. Many of the speakers cried as they shared their art and spoke from their heart about their experiences with war. I will never forget their words.

This bell was created by Chante Wolf, a dear Veteran friend who connected me with this group. Her bell is cast from a mold of her own hands clasping a warhead—her interpretation of begging humanity to stop the madness of war.