This month’s cover features the Peach Arch, emblematic of the ties that bind two great countries. The United States declared its independence 228 years ago on July 4th, 1776 and Canada was formed 137 years ago on July 1st , 1867. They had one tussle, that was back in 1812-1814 but it was brought to a close with the Treaty of Ghent on December 24th, 1814. It’s interesting to read Article 1 of that treaty which begins, “There shall be a firm and universal peace between His Britannic Majesty and the United States, and between their respective countries…,. without exception of places or persons.” What two countries could be better friends; America and Canada share the longest undefended border in the world, they are each other’s best trading partner and they support one another in times of trouble.
A Seattleite by the name of Sam Hill spearheaded an international fund-raising effort to construct the 67 foot Peace Arch and it was dedicated at the border between Washington State and British Columbia on September 6th, 1921. The wording on the monument says it all. On the American side, the words “Children of a Common Mother” are inscribed and on the Canadian side, “Brethren Dwelling together in Unity.” |
