The death of a president is a moment of national significance, marking the loss of a figure who held the country’s highest office and carried its immense responsibilities. Such an event often prompts widespread reflection on the president’s leadership, legacy, and impact on the nation and the world. It is a time for mourning, remembrance, and unity, as citizens pause to honor the office and the individual who served in it.
When should bells ring at the death of a president?
Bells ring at sunset the day after the announcement of the death of a president or former president.
Bells may be rung fully muffled with the tenor backstroke open. This is the only time bells are fully muffled in the United States. Half muffling is appropriate if not enough muffles are to be had. If a single bell is employed, the bell with the deepest tone should be selected and sounded at an interval of not less than 7 seconds between strikes.
The desire is to get as many bells rung as possible, but with a finite amount of ringers to go around a lot of bells, bells at locations of prominence should be prioritized.
Suggested action includes a peal, quarter peal, or general ringing of up to one hour, as able. Carillons, chimes of suitable range, and handbell ringers may play a recital of dirges or hymns appropriate to the occasion.
See also: Lying in State / Lying in Honor, State Funeral for a President
What is the historical context for this bell ringing schedule?
When George Washington died, the bells in Alexandria, Virginia, were muffled and tolled daily from noon until 1:00 pm until he was buried (lasting four days).
The flag flies at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.
In the United Kingdom, bells are only fully muffled when a king or queen dies.
Cover image: A soldier with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard," guides a riderless horse down Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2004, during the funeral procession for the 40th President of the United States Ronald Wilson Reagan. President Reagan gave the boots visible on the horse to the Old Guard before he left office. The boots are reversed in the stirrups, representing a fallen leader looking back on their troops for the last time.
