“This goal may seem lofty. It may seem, at times, unattainable. That does not mean that we should give up. We must always strive to reach this goal, each of us doing our part to ensure we are people of peace, and spread that message wherever and however we can.”
The Thunder Bay Peace Bell Ceremony was held simultaneously with the Peace Bell Ceremony of Gifu City, Japan.
“On July 9 every year, the anniversary of the day in which air raids occurred in Gifu, the Peace Bell is rung in the hope of creating a world of mutual harmony and prosperity,” Mayor Shigemitsu Hosoe, Gifu City, Japan, 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.
“The relationship between Thunder Bay and Gifu City has been a strong and mutually-beneficial one,” said Councillor Brian McKinnon, Vice-Chair – Sister Cities Advisory Committee. “We are proud to count them among Thunder Bay’s Sister Cities, and I look forward to the continued development of our relationship through economic and cultural exchanges.”
Representatives the Lakehead, Fort William and Port Arthur Rotary clubs also participated in Wednesday’s ceremony, as did members of the Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association. A Canadian Legion Colour Party was also present.
