In a continued gesture of gratitude for Boston’s aid following the devastating 1917 Halifax Explosion, the province of Nova Scotia has once again gifted a Christmas tree to the city that now stands tall in the Boston Common.
According to the Nova Scotia government, this year’s tree, a white spruce from Hugh and Liz Ryan’s property in Mattie Settlement, Antigonish County, was officially lit Dec. 5 at Boston Common, the 350-year-old park where the colonial militia mustered amid the American Revolution.
“We have watched this tree grow from a young sapling to its present height for the last 30 years. We are happy and proud to donate this tree to Boston as a heartfelt thank you for all the help received during a great hardship in Halifax,” said the Ryan family.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston was in attendance at the tree-lighting ceremony. The tree will remain standing throughout the Christmas season.
The tradition of gifting a Christmas tree to Boston dates back to 1918, a year after the Halifax Explosion, one of history’s largest non-nuclear blasts.
A French cargo ship carrying explosives collided with a Norwegian vessel in Halifax Harbour, resulting in a massive fireball that tragically claimed nearly 2,000 lives and injured thousands more.
Despite a raging blizzard, Boston immediately sent aid to Halifax, including vital supplies, medical personnel, and volunteers.
In appreciation of this selfless support, Halifax sent its first Christmas tree to Boston in 1918.
The annual tradition was revived in 1971 and has continued uninterrupted since then. This year’s tree marks the 53rd consecutive year of this poignant exchange and coincides with the 107th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.
The annual gift of the Christmas tree serves as a lasting symbol of the enduring friendship and gratitude between Nova Scotia and Boston.
Last year’s Christmas Tree for Boston was donated by the Gourley family in Stewiacke, N.S.
