News release

Pictou County Tree Makes its Way to Boston

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Nova Scotians bid farewell to a special 45-foot gift for the City of Boston today, Nov. 15.

The 60-year-old white spruce tree is a thank you to Boston for its support following the 1917 Halifax Explosion.

“We will never forget those who were lost and those who were greatly injured as a result of the explosion,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine on behalf of Premier Stephen McNeil. “This tree is a symbol of our upmost gratitude to the people of Boston who supported us after the devastating tragedy.”

The tree will be part of the Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in Halifax before departing for its 1,100-kilometre journey to Boston. The tree will arrive on Nov.18, and will be delivered to its new home on Boston Common during a special ceremony on the morning of Nov. 19.

The tree-lighting ceremony on Boston Common will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5. Nova Scotia musicians Neon Dreams and Zamani will perform for more than 15,000 people on Boston Common and 200,000 people during the live broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 Boston.

Quotes:

“We are proud that our tree is selected to be the 2019 Boston Christmas tree. It is an honour and blessing to be part of such a great tradition.”

– Desmond Waithe, tree donor

“Our welcoming ceremony for the tree from Nova Scotia celebrates the lasting friendship between the people of Boston and the people of Halifax. Every year, thousands of residents and visitors enjoy this beautiful tree. I thank Desmond, Corina and the people of Halifax for making Boston’s holiday season so special.”

– Martin J. Walsh, mayor of Boston

Quick Facts:

  • 2019 marks the 102nd anniversary of the Halifax Explosion
  • the explosion occurred on Dec. 6, 1917 when two ships, the Norwegian vessel SS Imo collided with the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with high explosives, in the Halifax Harbour
  • 2,000 people were killed and 9,000 more were injured as a result of the explosion
  • Boston authorities quickly responded by dispatching a relief train to assist survivors after learning about the disaster via telegraph, on the night of the Dec. 6

Additional Resources:

For more information and key dates about the Tree for Boston, visit: https://novascotia.ca/treeforboston

Archive images of the 1917 Halifax Explosion: https://novascotia.ca/archives/virtual/default.asp?Search=THexp

Pictou County Family Donate Tree for Boston: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20191106005

Tree for Boston social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreeForBoston
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreeforBoston
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treeforboston

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