Over the next few days Nova Scotians are saying farewell to a special tree which is a thank you to the city of Boston for its support following the Halifax Explosion 101 years ago.
For decades Nova Scotia has been sending a tree to Boston for its annual tree lighting to mark the holiday season.
“This is about friendship, unity and gratitude to the people of Boston,” said Deputy Premier Karen Casey on behalf of Premier Stephen McNeil. “We are forever appreciative of Boston’s immediate response of aid after the explosion. This tree embodies the spirit of our culture and is our way of saying thank you.”
For the first time, the annual Christmas tree came from Oxford.
“We are very proud and excited that our tree will represent Nova Scotia’s gratitude toward the people of Boston,” said Ross McKellar, donor of this year’s tree. “It is an honour for us to be part of this tradition of remembering our past and thanking Boston for their kindness, friendship and help during one of our province’s darkest moments.”
The 14 metre (46-foot) white spruce tree will depart for its 1,100 kilometre journey to Boston after making a community visit in Amherst on Sunday, Nov. 18. It will participate in the Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights in Halifax on Saturday, Nov. 17.
The tree-lighting ceremony on Boston Common will take place on Thursday, Nov. 29. Deputy Premier Casey will attend and be joined by Nova Scotia musicians Hillsburn, Makayla Lynn, and Margie and Dawn Beaton.
For more information and key dates, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/treeforboston and follow Tree for Boston on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Source: Release