Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 (Halifax, NS) – Residents are invited to attend the annual Halifax Explosion memorial service being held next Tuesday, Dec. 6, and reflect on the tragic event that occurred 99 years ago and the immense relief effort that was undertaken during its aftermath.
An official ceremony will be held from 8:55 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. at the Fort Needham Memorial Park – Bell Tower in Halifax, to honour those who lost their lives and those who survived as a result of the Halifax Explosion on Dec. 6, 1917.
The devastating explosion occurred when two ships – the French munitions ship, the Mont Blanc, and the Norwegian relief ship, the Imo – collided in the Narrows of Halifax Harbour. Over 2,000 people were killed and an additional 9,000 were injured as a result of the explosion, which was known at the time as the deadliest man-made explosion in history. Almost all of north-end Halifax was destroyed, and buildings and windows throughout Halifax and Dartmouth were significantly damaged.
Tuesday’s service will include memorial prayers and a moment of silence, official remarks by Mayor Savage and Councillor Lindell Smith, and the laying of memorial wreaths.
Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, along with a small delegation and the Stadacona Band, will attend to commemorate this tragic event that affected the Royal Canadian Navy and the entire community.
Other events taking place on Tuesday to commemorate the 99th anniversary include:
9:05 a.m. – City Hall will mark the occasion by sounding the tower bell for one minute, in unison with many others across the Halifax Peninsula, including: the Halifax Citadel cannon; church bells; naval and merchant ship sirens; and, the harbour pilot boat horns.
9:30 a.m. – A public reception following the annual Halifax Explosion Memorial Service, Needham Community Centre, 3372 Devonshire Avenue, Halifax
10 a.m. – Halifax Regional Fire Services Memorial Event, Fire Station 4, 5830 Lady Hammond Road
11 a.m. – A service of remembrance will take place at Pinehill Park at 11:00 a.m. The park is located at the intersection of Albro Lake Road and Pinecrest Drive.
For more information on the Halifax Explosion events and history, visit: www.halifax.ca/halifaxexplosion.
For information on commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, visit 100years100stories.ca.
Source: Release