Posted by David Gardner on Dec 11, 2017

On December 6th, 100 years ago, Halifax suffered a horrible explosion that devastated a large section of the city. Two ships, the Mont Blanc and the Imo collided in the narrows in Halifax Harbor. The Mont Blanc was a French ship carrying a full load of TNT and many other chemicals that provided the fuel to the sparks created when the ships continued to grind against each other. It went from bellowing smoke to smaller explosions that brought about the attention of many Haligonians. As they approached the harbor or viewed it from their homes, the explosions started to increase, until the fires swept into the cargo hold and reached the tons of TNT. The explosion was so immense that pieces of the ships were strewn miles from the harbor, including whole cannons. Buildings were leveled within a half mile radius, windows were shattered miles away all of which caused 2,000 deaths and 9,000 injuries, many of those were people blinded by the shattered glass.
 
Don Sword, DG of District 7820, and I were honored with placing a wreath at the Commemoration. In pouring rain, hundreds of Haligonians and visitors from around the world, came to reflect on the 100th anniversary of this tragic event. From residents, to families of survivors and many dignataries, there was not a dry eye in the house. The tragedies were offset by the outpouring of love and support that occurred from Boston and around the world. 
 
In addition, the blast created a tsunami that produced 30-60' waves from the harbor which swept away all of the settlements along the shore. To add insult to injury, the next day delivered a snow storm producing 16 or more inches of snow. This covered the blackened city with a freezing coat of snow, hampering the ability to find both survivors and those who perished in the blast.  It is hard to imagine that the city survived, and has prospered since that fateful day.
 
Boston was the first to arrive in Halifax to provide assistance. A medical team from Massachusetts General Hospital boarded a train within hours and was on the way in the blizzard that required them to exit the train and shovel the track throughout the mission. The medical expertise, supplies and unfailing service to the people of Halifax is something that is still remembered today. In fact, Halifax demonstrates their appreciation yearly when they donate and deliver a 50-100' Christmas tree to Boston. Now you know the rest of the story!
Thanks to Peter Simonsen, PDG 2014-15 and Ron Zwaagstra, Rotary Club of Sackville & Area in Halifax for planning an amazing expedition. Peter and Diane Simonsen, Winn and Julie Dodge, Terry Curran, Valentine Callahan and Joni Gardner joined me for several days in the wonderful city of Halifax. This fellowship exchange was filled with great food, superb fellowship and an array of opportunities to learn about the Halifax Explosion, the city of Halifax and its' people and, the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax had been the primary responder to the sinking of the Titanic just five years before the explosion. We toured the Maritime Museum, the Immigration Museum, saw a documentary about the Halifax Deaf School and the impact of the explosion that was so moving. The Rotarians from the five Halifax clubs were sensational hosts and provided a personal perspective of life in Halifax. The food, especially the seafood, was stellar and we enjoyed every meal with our hosts. 
 
We were also able to begin collaborating on grants, both local and global, that will focus on Homelessness and Hunger. They are beginning to look at district grants to align with our vision and I think that we can provide support for them as they introduce a district initiative. We hope to continue our relationship with these magnificent Rotarians, and hope that we will be able to create global grants that allow our two district to support each other in the next year or two.
 
If you would be interested in future friendship exchanges with Halifax, or to work on grants, please drop me a note and we will keep you informed. Email Dave Gardner!
 
Further proof that we are One Rotary and that we can accomplish so much more when we work together.