Halifax Explosion
Dec 6, 2014 13:47:43 GMT -5
Post by blny on Dec 6, 2014 13:47:43 GMT -5
97 years ago today. Still the largest non - nuclear explosion in recorded history.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion
Every time I think about it, I put it in the context of happening today. In 1917, we had no bridges joining Halifax and Dartmouth. The newer McKay would certainly be gone. If the explosion itself didn't take out the older McDonald, the tsunami likely would have. The death toll would have been enormous; likely in the 100,000 range or more. The explosion was felt as far away as Sydney and Charlottetown.
Every year since 1971, Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to Boston to commemorate their instant response to our call for help. Boston whipped together food, manpower, medical aid, etc and got it here by train in a response time that FEMA couldn't match today.
That tree was lit in Boston's city center this week. The event was broadcast on one of the local Boston channels. I have younger relatives from outside this province and they've never learned about it. I'm sure only the few in Boston that pay attention know the full story behind why we send a tree. Those relatives often say, 'why didn't I learn of this before'.
So, here's my little blurb. A tragic accident nearly 100 years ago, brought two cities in different countries together in a way not often seen. While none of my ancestors were in Halifax at the time, I can't help but feel gracious.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion
Every time I think about it, I put it in the context of happening today. In 1917, we had no bridges joining Halifax and Dartmouth. The newer McKay would certainly be gone. If the explosion itself didn't take out the older McDonald, the tsunami likely would have. The death toll would have been enormous; likely in the 100,000 range or more. The explosion was felt as far away as Sydney and Charlottetown.
Every year since 1971, Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to Boston to commemorate their instant response to our call for help. Boston whipped together food, manpower, medical aid, etc and got it here by train in a response time that FEMA couldn't match today.
That tree was lit in Boston's city center this week. The event was broadcast on one of the local Boston channels. I have younger relatives from outside this province and they've never learned about it. I'm sure only the few in Boston that pay attention know the full story behind why we send a tree. Those relatives often say, 'why didn't I learn of this before'.
So, here's my little blurb. A tragic accident nearly 100 years ago, brought two cities in different countries together in a way not often seen. While none of my ancestors were in Halifax at the time, I can't help but feel gracious.
