Community Corner
In Remembrance: The Bell Tolls on Veterans Day
Ed Balcourt tolls the bell on Veterans Day in Port Washington.
By Rich Jacques
Keeping with tradition, the bell again tolled this year at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month on Veterans Day in Port Washington.
Ringing the bell 11 times to recall the end of hostilities of World War I, 2013 Port Washington Memorial Day parade Co-grand Marshal and World War II U.S. Army veteran Ed Balcourt stood on the band shell and gave the traditional presentation at Sunset Park on Monday.
World War I hostilities formally ended in accordance with the Armistice on June 28, 1919, with the Treaty of Versailles.
Balcourt, a longtime Port Washington resident, was sent overseas as a replacement in the 21st Reconnaissance Unit, part of the Americal Division in 1943. For two years, he saw combat action in the Solomon Islands and Bougainville. After recovering from malaria, he finished his enlistment with the Special Services and Entertainment Group, helping to stage USO shows for the troops.
See also: Port Washington Honors Veterans
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