Bells across America

Today the Navy Construction Center in Gulfport held their third annual Navy wide ceremony to remember those service members who have lost their life in active duty.

Bells across America helps to mend wounds and to unite the military and loved ones of the fallen.

The sound of a bell, normally the sound that rings in the Navy as a sign of safety or communication, but on Thursday this bell was rung in remembrance of those who have fallen in active duty, like Staff Sergeant Donnie Levens who lost his life during a helicopter crash 12 years ago while on duty in Africa. His mother, Margaret Levens, said, “Donnie’s wanted to fly since he was eight and he went down in his chopper and he’s still flying today with a different set of wings.”

His mother and the rest of his family came together to remember him at the Navy Gold Star sponsored Bells across America ceremony. “It’s important not to forget and when there’s services like this, it helps that they’re not forgotten. It makes you feel good to know that everybody still remembers that you have lost someone or you have another child in my case.”

The Navy Gold Star Program extends to the families of all who have died while on active duty, regardless of the branch of military or cause of death. It is the third year the Battalion Center has put on this ceremony, historically it has been service members recognizing service members, but they felt it was important to add in the families.

This year, 12 families came and almost 100 names were read. Commanding Officer William Whitmire said, “We take this time once a year just to stop and take some time and share the pain. At this ceremony, we share the pain together, but we’re also going to share a lot of pride in having had the honor and the privilege to serve with great Americans.”

In addition to this bell ringing here, at 10 a.m. church bells throughout Gulfport and Long Beach rang to join in on celebrating our heroes.