Basis For Association

Our association is dedicated to the idea that if people of different cultures and countries, races, language, cultures, can learn and increase their knowledge of their differences, the whole world is benefited, and the more people of other countries know, understand, respect and appreciate other peoples beliefs, the better and more progressive the countries as a whole becomes the greater chance of world peace.

Mission

The USCPAA has three distinct missions. One is to promote and preserve the unique heritage of peaceful relations between the United States and Canada. Integrating educational curricula relating to peace issues is an important part of this undertaking. The second is the perpetuation of the Peace portal and the surrounding park areas for future generations. Enhancing the serene and natural settings is the third. This is accomplished through the promotion of visual and performing arts, bringing together peoples sharing ideals of world harmony exemplified by the seamless border between the U.S. and Canada.

Association Profile

The Peace Arch, the only international gateway ever erected in the interest of peace among nations, was constructed on the boundary between Blaine, Washington and Douglas, British Columbia. The Peace Arch was dedicated in 1921 by Washington businessman and philanthropist, Samuel Hill, to celebrate the existing century of peace between two great nation, the United States and Canada.

In 1995, under the leadership of its Founder & President, Christina Alexander, a group of Americans and Canadians enthusiastically embraced the spirit of the Peace Arch and formed a nonprofit organization, The United States/Canada Peace Anniversary Assoc., to commemorate the seventy fifth Anniversary of the Peace Arch, not only as a celebratory moment for the American and Canadian public to reflect on their shared history, but as an international monument of peace. Since forming the organization has accomplished the following:

* The development and production of an historical video titled, "The Peace Arch Rises." Since 1997 “The Peace Arch Rises" has aired worldwide on the History Channel almost every year since. The video is distributed by the Library Video Company to educational institutions and public libraries across North America.

* The development of an extensive “Portal of Peace” curriculum packet created for educators in both countries. The curriculum examines the Peace Arch and its meaning, as well as the shared history of both nations. It has been distributed free of charge to over 1500 schools.

* The coordination and staging of "Dedication Days," an annual reenactment and celebration of the September 6, 1921 dedication of the Peace Arch.

* The establishment of the “Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition.” Now in its eighth year the international fine arts program features outdoor sculptures in the park's magnificent gardens. The Association's innovative efforts have been recognized by local, regional, and national agencies, organizations, and individuals, including the International Peace Bureau, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, World Culture Open and former President Bill Clinton, and former Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Our Founder

Christina Alexander, founder of The United States Canada Peace Anniversary Association, was born in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. As a small child, her father an accountant from London, England and her mother a homemaker from Vancouver B.C., immigrated to the United States, settling in Whatcom County to raise their children. During her childhood she remembers picnics at Peace Arch Park that accompanied the families frequent trips to Vancouver across the Peace Arch border crossing to see their numerous relatives. Each time they crossed the border her parents never failed to mention what a special place the park was. While in elementary school the children in her class enjoyed a visiting park on field trips. Although during these experiences very little was said about the actual history of the park beyond our countries shared peace, the impression the Peace Arch and the International Park left on her was one of hope. That impression has lasted a lifetime. Learn more about Christina Alexander.

Past & Present Board Members & Volunteers

Former Vice President, Larry Manley recalls: "As child I remember growing up in Port Orchard and being allowed to go on a BIG field trip. I was in the fourth grade, and like many others my age had an older brother and uncle involved in the Vietnam war. The field trip involved meeting a class from B.C. to have lunch and play, discovering that we had similarities with kids our own age from another country.The meeting occurred at Peace Arch Park and with the field trip it was explained about the peaceful relationship these two great nations shared. I can remember It was the first time I understood what Peace is. It had a major impact on me. I am now 42 and remember it well."

John Choulochas, volunteer and current USCPAA Vice President. "I have been privileged to work with the USCPAA since 2000. After experiencing first hand the creativity and great leadership of founding President, Christina Alexander, I came to fully understand the global mission of the United States Canada Peace Anniversary Association. The realistic goals and strategic thinking developed under her leadership have set this organization apart. Each of the events or activities are aligned to focus on the unity of humankind and development of a truly Peace Culture and the preservation of the heritage of the great Peace Arch monument."

Debra Paulin, USCPAA Secretary was born in New York. She has lived in British Columbia for that
past 23 years. Having grown up with the Statue
of Liberty as local and national symbol on the east coast Debra says: living on Peace Park Drive, in Surrey B.C., Canada with the "Peace Arch" out
side my living room window, it was only natural
for me to meet Christina in the park. Seeing her mission and dedication to fulfilling it only makes one want to be part of her team  ""promoting and preserve the unique heritage of peaceful relations between USA and Canada."
 



Paul Atchison, former board member was
born in Toronto; his parents immigrated
to the United States settling in the
San Francisco area. He met Sue, his US wife there. Paul is a Canadian citizen with an appreciation for both countries. Paul not only volunteers for our organization and the Peace Arch Park, but Bandit (their dog) is a daily visitor to the park.


Former Treasurer Lynn Taylor was born in British Columbia Canada. Her family regularly vacationed in Birch Bay as she grew up. Lynn married an American and moved to the United States. She raised her family in the states and she has numerous relatives on both sides of the border.

Billie Squires, Treasurer.

Janet Hansen, board member.