It’s a sign of respect and honor for our nation’s fallen heroes at military funerals: the solemn tolling of a bell. It’s known as “bell honors” and here in Colorado, the Honor Bell fills that role.
But this summer, more than 250 families did not receive the proper salute their veterans deserved. An accident damaged the van that carries the 1000-pound bronze bell from ceremony to ceremony. Thankfully the staff was not hurt and the bell was not damaged, but the bell could not be used for six weeks.
“Families were devastated,” said Honor Bell Executive Director Lauri Kuntz. “(Honor Guard member Larry Peterson) has been really great about reaching out and saying, ‘Hey, let’s do a virtual tour in their honor.'”
The bell offers a final salute acknowledging the depth of loss for our nation’s veterans and those killed in action.
The slow ringing of a bell offers dignity and respect. There are seven solemn tolls for the seven stars on the bell, each with it’s own meaning.
“The final gold raised star is the value of the veteran’s life,” said U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran and Honor Bell Guard Larry Peterson.