Public Service Announcement

97th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion to be commemorated Dec. 6

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Regional Municipality residents are invited to attend the annual memorial of the Halifax Explosion taking place this Saturday, Dec. 6. An official ceremony will be held from 8:50 to 9:20 a.m. at the Fort Needham Hill Bell Tower in Halifax, to honour those who lost their lives as a result of the Halifax Explosion on December 6, 1917, as well as the survivors.

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 a further 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.

Saturday’s service will include a memorial prayer and moment of silence, recognition of survivors and the laying of memorial wreaths.

Other events on Saturday to commemorate the anniversary include:

9:30 a.m. - Public Reception following the Annual Halifax Explosion Memorial Service, United Memorial Church, 5350 Young Street, Halifax
10 a.m. - Halifax Regional Fire Services Memorial Event, Fire Station 4, 5830 Lady Hammond Road, Halifax
11 a.m. - A Service of Remembrance will take place at Pinehill Park, located at the intersection of Albro Lake Road and Pinecrest Drive, Dartmouth

For more information on the Halifax Explosion events and history visit www.halifax.ca/HalifaxExplosion.

 

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Media Contact:

Tiffany Chase
Halifax Regional Municipality
Public Affairs
902-490-5057
chaset@halifax.ca