RALEIGH – Bells will toll in unison across North Carolina and throughout the world at 11 a.m. Sunday to commemorate the centennial of Armistice Day.

Gov. Roy Cooper has proclaimed Sunday as the centennial of the end of World War I, calling on individuals and organizations across the state to toll bells at 11 a.m. to remember those who served.

“World War I changed the world and North Carolina forever,” said Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “More than 86,000 North Carolinians enrolled in the military to fight in the war, and the state contributed to the war effort in countless ways both in Europe and here at home. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice and welcome this opportunity to remember them.”

When the Armistice ending World War I was signed at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, bells rang in celebration around the world. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources encourages churches, schools, local history groups and community organizations to ring bells 21 times at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Many communities across the state are planning exhibits, parades or other programs to enhance awareness of World War I, veterans service, and the sacrifices that war entails. To date, courthouses, museums, universities, and churches have pledged to ring bells in most of the state’s 100 counties.

The department is working in partnership with the World War I Centennial Commission to promote bell ringing on Sunday. Additional partners include the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.