PRESS RELEASE
February 28th, 2013
FROM: Peace Arch Association
RE:
Hands Across the Border Cancelled
It is with heavy hearts that the International Peace Arch Association, both US and Canadian Sections, announce the cancellation of our annual “ Hands Across the Border” celebration.
The event was hosted at Peace Arch Park in Surrey BC and Blaine, Washington 90 times over the last 94 years interrupted only for 2 years by WWII, and 2 years by major construction projects.
The land on which the Peach Arch sits was paid for by pennies, nickels and dimes collected by school children from both sides of the Border in the 1920’s. The Peach Arch itself was constructed with volunteer labor using donated materials.
On the second Sunday in June every year, the International Peace Arch Association hosted this annual re-dedication of the International Peace Arch, celebrating the longstanding peace between Canada and the United States. The event was hosted for thousands of young people, from both sides of the Border involved in Scouting and Guiding, Campfire Girls and CGIT.
Rising costs over the past several years, along with diminished donations, have made the continuation of this event impossible. Costs have escalated to $10,000 per year.
We would like to thank everyone who ever attended, and our volunteers and agencies who facilitated this event over the last 90 years.
John Liebert
The United States Canada Peace Anniversary Asoociation (USCAA) invites you to click on the image below to visit our Facebook page to read the letter and post your thoughts, videos or comments regarding this.
