THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay once again joined with Sister City Gifu City, Japan, to call for world peace at the 2015 Peace Bell Ceremony. Sister City Chair Brian McKinnon was on hand to preside over the ceremony at City Hall this morning.
“This ceremony is important to the Sister City relationship we enjoy with Gifu City, Japan,” commented Mayor Keith Hobbs. “Every year, we celebrate that relationship, as well as call for world peace, during this ceremony, held at the same time in Thunder Bay and Gifu City. As our peace bell rings throughout our downtown south core, the tolling of Gifu City’s peace bell sounds throughout their streets, as well.”
“It is significant that the citizens of our cities can deepen their support of peace through the ringing of the Peace Bell, which I am sure will strengthen the bond between Gifu and Thunder Bay even further,” Gifu City Mayor Shigemitsu Hosoe said in a statement. “I hope that you and those in your city can share our wish, and that the ringing of the Peace Bell opens up an opportunity to tell the future generations of the importance of peace.”
Thunder Bay and Gifu City have had a formal Sister City relationship since 2007.
“Our Sister Cities program is an important one for Thunder Bay,” said Councillor Brian McKinnon, Chair – Sister Cities Advisory Committee. “It is a way to share our culture, and learn about the culture of other cities and countries. I look forward to continuing the development of our relationship with not only Gifu City, but also the rest of our official Sister Cities around the world, through cultural and economic exchanges.”
Local Arthur Rotary clubs also participated in Thursday’s ceremony, as did members of the Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association. A Canadian Legion Colour Party was also present.