09/11/2026
A New Tradition Rings True: Wa-Hi Spirit Bell to Debut on 9/11 Remembrance Night
History will ring out at Blue Devil Stadium tonight as Walla Walla High School’s new Spirit Bell makes its public debut during the varsity football game against Lakeland High School of Rathdrum, Idaho.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and the game is free and open to the public. At halftime, first responders, active-duty military members, veterans and others who serve the public will be recognized in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
The Spirit Bell has a history of its own. Walla Walla Public Schools received the historic bell last year from Walla Walla County Fire District 4. The bell originally served the Blue Creek School community before becoming part of the fire district’s history.
In August 1979, Walla Walla County Fire District 4 was officially deeded the site where Blue Creek School once stood. By 1980, the district had opened its first fire station up Mill Creek, now known as Station 45. The bell remained at the Mill Creek station for more than 40 years before Fire Chief John Golden offered it to Walla Walla Public Schools, giving the historic bell an opportunity for a new chapter.
That chapter began at SEATech, where students in the Advanced Welding and Manufacturing program took on the challenge of restoring the bell.
When it arrived, the bell was missing its striker. Students designed and fabricated a new one using steel available in the SEATech shop. They also designed and manufactured a custom trailer that allows the heavy bell to be safely and easily transported around Blue Devil Stadium for football games and special events.
Community partners also helped bring the project to life. Tom’s Cycle donated balloon-style tires for the trailer, helping support the substantial weight of the bell while protecting the stadium’s new track surface.
Now, decades after the bell had been last heard, it is ready to ring again. But this time, it will ring for Blue Devil pride.
Tonight’s first public ringing will launch a new tradition at Wa-Hi, one that connects the school’s past with its present, celebrates the craftsmanship of SEATech students and community partners, and gives generations of Blue Devils something new to rally around.
And on a night dedicated to remembering those who serve and those we lost on 9/11, the sound of the Spirit Bell will carry a little more meaning. We hope to see you at the game!