One by one, a single bell was somberly tolled for dozens of fallen active-duty service members during the annual Bells Across America ceremony Sept. 26 at Clipper Landing on U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) in Santa Rita.

The ceremony also honored the resilient Gold Star families, who continue to endure the loss of their loved ones, who gave their lives courageously serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

NBG Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey Grimes extended his heartfelt sentiments to the families present, and recognized the sacrifices that service members and Gold Star families pay.

“(Today) is a day set aside for all to recognize and honor those who have lost a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, or father,” he said. “It commemorates the contributions, commitment, and sacrifices made by our fallen comrades. The names called represent just a few of the many, who have given their lives for our great nation.”

Abraham Mora Jr. attended the ceremony in remembrance of his younger brother, Guam Army National Guard Sgt. Samson Mora, who died July 10, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.

Though the deep clangs of the bell brought him chills, Mora said they also brought good memories of his brother with their family.

“Every day is a hard day for us,” he said. “There’s never a day that I don’t think of him. When he joined (the military), it was a real honor for us. I’m really proud of him, and I really do miss him a lot.”

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