Nova Scotians are encouraged to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion in 2017 and its impact on the province through a campaign launched in Boston as part of the annual tree- lighting events.
Premier Stephen McNeil joined Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Mike Savage today, Dec. 1, at the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation to mark the 99th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion and unveil a campaign for the 100th anniversary called 100 years, 100 stories.
“The Halifax Explosion had a profound impact on our capital city of Halifax and our province,” said Premier McNeil. “There are hundreds of stories to tell – stories of survival, resilience, courage and friendship. This campaign captures those stories, and the ways Nova Scotians can commemorate this anniversary in the coming year.”
The campaign was developed in partnership between the province, city and a variety of stakeholders, who will be hosting events, displaying artifacts and remembering the stories of the Halifax Explosion. Details can be found on the website, 100years100stories.ca.
“The Halifax Explosion forever changed our people and our city,” said Mayor Savage. “Out of tragedy came hundreds of stories of bravery, strength and perseverance.
“We want to tell those stories so our generation and generations to come understand how this moment in history has helped shape who we are today.”
On Dec. 6, 1917, the French cargo ship Mont Blanc laden with explosives collided with the Belgian relief vessel Imo in Halifax Harbour causing the largest man-made explosion prior to the atomic bomb.
The annual tree lighting and gift of a Christmas tree to the City of Boston is among the legacies of the Halifax Explosion. Boston was quick to provide medical personnel and supplies in the aftermath of the explosion that killed 2,000 people and left thousands more injured and/or homeless.
This year’s Nova Scotia tree for Boston will light up Boston Common tonight in front of about 20,000 people.
“From the time Halifax sent Boston the first Christmas tree as a gift of appreciation for our help many years ago, we have shared this tradition that commemorates the holidays and the season of giving, said Martin Walsh, Mayor of Boston. “From that time, a bond has grown through generations that we celebrate every year with the gift of this Christmas tree along with the joy of the holidays that we share with our friends from Nova Scotia.
“I am proud to keep our long-standing tradition alive this holiday season, and look forward to a season full of fun holiday festivities and community spirit.”
The tree-lighting program called Holiday Lights, will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. in Boston) and will be televised to an estimated audience of 260,000 on WCVB Boston Channel 5, an ABC affiliate available in Atlantic Canada on cable.
The Town Heroes will be the musical guest representing Nova Scotia on the broadcast.
Nova Scotians can also watch the broadcast live via a WCVB webcast by visiting www.wcvb.com.
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Source: Media Release
