Bells Across America ceremony honors fallen service members

PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Like many navy bases around the world, Naval Support Activity Panama City officials took time Thursday to remember fallen friends and comrades during the Bells Across America ceremony.

The purpose is to honor all of the service people who died during the last year while serving their country.

Base personnel read the names of 43 fallen service members from across the nation. The bell tolled as each name was read. It continued to ring four more times at the end of the list in memory of those not named.

“This is why we wear this uniform. And there’s some people that cannot be here to be able to do the exact same thing that we’re doing,” Command Senior Chief Sonny Ocampo said.

Two Gold Star members in attendance had lost their husbands. Jackie Bollinger lost her husband, Stanley Bollinger, and came from San Diego for the ceremony. She is a Gold Star Spouse, part of the Navy Gold Star Program that provides support to the families of the fallen.

“He gave his commitment to this nation in a way that many of us may never get to do. We’re grateful for it,” Commanding Officer Michael Mosi said.

Command Senior Chief Sonny Ocampo said there are Gold Star Families in Bay County.

“This is something that hits home because they were still on active duty when we lost them. We lost them way too early,” Ocampo said.

Photos of the fallen were displayed. Gold Star Families receive lapel pins as a symbol of honor and to show that they will never forget those who have died.

“A hero is not someone defined solely by their final act, but rather by the life they lived the values they embodied, and the willingness to stand in the defense of others,” Mosi said.

This was the 9th annual Bells Across America ceremony. Every September, Navy bases across the country host ceremonies.

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