Marine Memorial Bell to be Introduced

Blue Wahoos’ fans will be introduced to the Marine Memorial Bell at tonight’s game at the Maritime Stadium. The bell will be displayed outside the mezzanine area of the ballpark overlooking the field. Wahoos fans are encouraged to visit the display, which will be manned by volunteer Marines from the Marine Aviation Memorial Bell Tower Committee.

The bell’s purpose is to commemorate 100 years of Marine Aviation and represents the service and sacrifice made by Marines in the execution of the medical and casualty evaluations (MEDEVAC/CASEVAC) of wounded Marines from the battlefield.

“Honoring the past, saluting the present and inspiring the future for all Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen., the bell signifies the selfless attitude of military men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to save the lives of our injured service members or bring home our fallen,” said LtCol William Rasgorshek of the Marine Corps Aviation Association.

The bell will be the center piece of the Memorial Tower to be placed at Pensacola’s Veterans Memorial Park on August 20. The bell will also participate in the Memorial Tower groundbreaking on May 27, immediately following the Memorial Day ceremony starting at 1 p.m.

“Let this Marine Aviation Centennial Bell sound the alarm and wake the spirit of our nation’s patriotism while our service men and women stand by to give it all when the Bell Rings and they are called upon to serve their country. Semper Fidelis, now let’s ring the Bell,” Rasgorshek said.

For more information about the Marine Aviation Memorial Bell Tower, please visit honorourmarines.org.