For 40 years it's been a Christmas tradition for the province of Nova Scotia to ship a giant Christmas tree to Boston to thank the people of Boston for the emergency assistance they provided after the Halifax Explosion in 1917. Relief from Boston was the first to arrive the day after the horrendous explosion which killed 1,900 people and wounded another 9,000. The New Englanders were also the last to leave.
This year's tree is a 14-metre (46-foot) white spruce donated by Ken and Donna Spinney from Central Argyle, Yarmouth County. On November 15, children from local elementary schools attended the Christmas tree cutting ceremony, where Nova Scotia storyteller Bruce Nunn read from Buddy the Bluenose Reindeer and the Boston Christmas Tree Adventure and Halifax poet laureate Tanya Davis read an original poem written for the occasion.
The tree has been loaded onto a flatbed truck and is making its way to Boston. It is due to arrive on November 18 and will be escorted by the Boston Police Department to the Boston Common where it will be installed near the Visitors Center on Tremont Street. The Christmas tree will be the focal point of the annual Boston Common Tree Lighting Event on December 1.
Nova Scotia and the Boston Christmas TreeThe Halifax Explosion
Tradition of the Boston Christmas Tree (in PDF) - Nova Scotia Government
Province of Nova Scotia
About.com Boston
Comments
My Grammie told me all about how Boston responded…so quickly. Sixty miles from Halifax ,,,, in Camden NS… Grammie Geddes was so afraid ,,, the windows in her home shook, their Home shook as well…. As a Nova Scotian,,, in 2011 — We are so Thankful, God Bless You All
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Having recently been made aware of the reason for the tree, I have re-told to our sons of the history of the gratitude of Nova Scotia and the good deeds of our fellow Bostonians. They asked if we could visit Nova Scotia and are looking ahead to visiting a place where thank you has a deeper meaning supported by generations. Nova Scotia – you are welcome. Be well.
Pretty sure you meant 600 miles..but anyway thanks canada!
No, I am pretty sure that she meant 60 miles. She said Camden, NS (Nova Scotia) – not Camden, New Jersey!! My grandmother was also 60 miles away in Nova Scotia in a lumber camp and felt the explosion. She told her children to get away from the door, because she thought that there was a bear at the door!