Halifax Explosion memorial service to be held Thursday
Posted Dec 4, 2018 08:04:45 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEWS RELEASE
HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
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Residents are invited to attend the annual Halifax Explosion memorial service being held Thursday, Dec. 6, and reflect on the tragic event that occurred 101 years ago and the immense relief effort that was undertaken during its aftermath.
An official ceremony will be held from 9 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. at the Fort Needham Memorial Park – Bell Tower in Halifax, to honour those who lost their lives and those who survived as a result of the Halifax Explosion on Dec. 6, 1917.
The devastating explosion occurred when two ships – the French munitions ship, the Mont Blanc, and the Norwegian relief ship, the Imo – collided in the Narrows of Halifax Harbour. Over 2,000 people were killed and an additional 9,000 were injured as a result of the explosion, which was known at the time as the deadliest man-made explosion in history. Almost all of north-end Halifax was destroyed, and buildings and windows throughout Halifax and Dartmouth were significantly damaged.
Thursday’s service will include a smudging ceremony, memorial prayer and a moment of silence with official remarks by Mayor Savage and Councillor Lindell Smith and the laying of memorial wreaths. Returning to Halifax for the 101st commemoration event, former Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke who will perform an excerpt from his poem Achieving Disaster, Dreaming Resurrection, which was commissioned by the municipality as part of the 100th Anniversary Commemorative Program.
Other events taking place on Thursday to commemorate the 101st anniversary include:
10 a.m. – Halifax Regional Fire Services Memorial Event, Fire Station 4, 5830 Lady Hammond Road. Reception to follow.
11 a.m. – A service of remembrance will take place at Pinehill Park. The park is located at the intersection of Albro Lake Road and Pinecrest Drive.
For more information on the Halifax Explosion events and history, visit: www.halifax.ca/halifaxexplosion
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