For more than 40 years it's been a Christmas tradition for the province of Nova Scotia to ship one of its biggest and best Christmas trees 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.
The 2012 Christmas tree is a 70-year-old, 15-metre (50-foot) white spruce donated by Paul and Jan Hicks from Jordan Bay, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. On November 13, hundreds of children from local elementary schools attended the Christmas tree cutting ceremony, where Nova Scotia storyteller Bruce Nunn read from his book Buddy the Bluenose Reindeer and the Boston Christmas Tree Adventure.
The tree was loaded onto a flatbed truck and made its way to Boston. It arrived on November 16, and was escorted by the Boston Police Department to the Boston Common where it is being installed. The Christmas tree will be the focal point of the annual Boston Common Tree Lighting Event on November 29. The ceremony will be televised and is expected to draw a live crowd of about 30,000. The ceremony will feature two performances from the Nova Scotian percussion ensemble Squid, and remarks from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and the Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia, Frank Corbett. The RCMP and Santa Claus will be on hand, and there will be fireworks too.
Nova Scotia and the Boston Christmas TreeThe Halifax Explosion
Tree for Boston - Nova Scotia Government
Province of Nova Scotia
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!
Great, thank you Canadians. for your thankfulness. We are also thankful to you for helping the people of maine during the ice storm of 1998. We will always be thankful for you as well. Go Canada….
My uncle Bill, a fellow Cape Bretoner, (NS), delivers this tree every year, and has for well over a decade now. I think its a great tradition to be a part of!!
And Quebec Power came go MA & NH to help restore after hurricain Sandy
I lost my Grandmother in the 1917 collision. I grew up in Boston but during WW 2, my sister and I were living in Halifax as little kids. There was another collion in Halifax Harbor that sent debris flying all over the city and beyond. Our Uncle grabbed us off the park play ground and possibly saved our lives back then. Went back to visit in 1959. Went back to that park where a very large anchor had launched many miles to be embedded there and on permanent display. WOW!!