Mental Floss:
In 1917, Bostonians reacted to an unprecedented tragedy in Halifax with an outpouring of support and resources. Nearly a century later, Nova Scotians haven’t forgotten.
On December 6, 1917, a French ship named the Mont-Blanc was passing through Halifax Harbor, making its way from New York to France. The ship was carrying a staggering load of munitions: 2300 tons of pyric acid, 35 tons of benzene, and 200 tons of dynamite. If you think this sounds like an accident waiting to happen, you’re absolutely right. At 8:45 a.m., the Mont-Blanc collided with a Norwegian cargo ship called the Imo. At first, the French ship simply caught fire, inspiring thousands of people to gather into the harbor to watch.
Then, at 9:04 a.m., it exploded—and the impact was devastating.
As a native Haligonian, We all know the story of this tragedy but few outside the region know of the amazing kindness of the people of Boston. I’ve always wanted to go to the Boston Commons Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to pay my respects the people of that great city.
This is indeed a great gesture. Nova Scotia accepted some 40 airplanes of passengers diverted there because of 9/11. Other provinces also helped. Thousands of Americans were welcomed and sheltered in Gander, Newfoundland. Firefighters, policemen and others from different parts of Canada drove or otherwise made their ways to NYC to help.
The American expression of gratitude, while not totally absent, has been less overwhelming. When George Bush addressed Congress to thank other nations for their help, Canada was pointed left out. According to David Frum, a Canada-born speechwriter working for Bush at the time, Canada was simply forgotten (but he wasn’t personally responsible). Yes, just forgotten. This oversight has never been remedied. Furthermore, the Nova Scotia airport and other parts of Canada have held commemorative celebrations to remember what happened on 9/11. American participation has been meagre at best. That’s right – Canada celebrates helping Americans but Americans rarely show up.