If the tree from Norway to London is on it's way, then it's almost time for the annual Tree from the People of Halifax to the People of Boston to be on it's way too.
On December 7th, 1917 two ships collided in Halifax Harbour, the
Mont Blanc not only was a Munitions Ship, but she was also overloaded and not flying the flag to let everyone know she was carrying Munitions. When the Captain of the
Imo decided to pull away after the accident, because he didn't know what the cargo of the other vessel was, sparks flew from the friction created of the two ships moving, a fire broke out and about twenty minutes later....
It was the largest Man made explosion in History until the two Atomic Bombs dropped on Japan in the latter stages of WWII.
Halifax was basically levelled and if things weren't already desperate, a blizzard hit the area later that night. Relief Trains from Toronto and Montreal were either derailed or unable to continue due to the Storm. One part of the Maritimes not affected was the route from Boston to Halifax, those Relief Trains did get through and if it hadn't been for the Supplies and Personnel they brought in, so many more would have died.
Ever since, The Christmas Tree in Boston Common has been the gift of Halifax in thanks for that help. It's also a very great honour in Nova Scotia to have a tree from their Property chosen to be The Tree.
A few years ago the CBC made an excellent two part Mini Series movie called
Shattered City : The Halifax Explosion and it's up over at YouTube if anyone's interested. Do be aware there are some very graphic moments of the aftermath of an event such as this, as well as just what a Solider w/PTSD deals w/on a daily basis. Just putting that out so no one's blindsided by that.
That's a gorgeous tree that will be going up in London in a week or so and Princess Ingrid and her friends looked like they were having a wonderful time today.