November 11, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended hostilities in World War I. In this war, 116,516 Americans died and over 200,000 were wounded. Five young men from North Baltimore died in service of their country including 18 year old Vernon Wymer who was the first soldier killed in action from North Baltimore and Wood County.
At 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2018 the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission will hold a nationwide tolling of bells known as Bells of PeacE: A WORLD WAR I REMEMBRANCE in memory of all those who gave their lives during World War I. The tolling of bells serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans of World War I, and all veterans.
American Legion Post 539 and the North Baltimore Historical Society invites the churches, schools, town hall, and individuals of North Baltimore to participate in this commemoration by tolling their bells at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2018. Bells should be rung slowly 21 times with a five-second interval between tolls. If you do not have a bell, the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission will be creating a special downloadable smartphone app that can be used privately or with public address systems. It is suggested that you toll your bells 21 times and follow that with an individual toll for each man from N. Baltimore* who died during World War I, stating their name before each toll.
*WORLD WAR I CASUALTIES FROM NORTH BALTIMORE:
Vernon Arthur Wymer
Charles Bassett Lawrence
John H. Weaver
Howard William Wrede
Morris Henry Neiman
Contributed by Margaret Bobb, North Baltimore Historical Center (Thank You!)
