The International Peace Arch stands near the western end of the unfortified Canadian/American boundary, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans.
It is an exciting day of international friendship and fun and youth participants parade through the arch carrying flags from the 145 World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) countries.
Yes The Peace Arch Border crossing (between Interstate 5 on the U.S. side and British Columbia Highway 99 on the Canadian side) is a major border crossing and yes both Northbound AND Southbound temporarily closes to ALL vehicle traffic beginning from 11am until 3pm. Motorists are however diverted to other border crossings, with the Pacific Highway crossing the closest at about a mile away and even though drivers will need to allow extra time to get through the border as a result of this event; it is really a minor inconvenience. The Hands Across the Border event is a celebration of peace between the two countries and it symbolizes the friendship between Canada and the United States ... something, I believe, most worthy of celebration.
My girls and I have crossed the Border into the United States more times than ever before these past few years .... never during a Hands Across the Border celebration ..... pity!
Hope everyone has been enjoying a wonderful weekend. Would love to hear from you.
That's really interesting Sharon. Must be a fun day out for everyone.
ReplyDeleteYes I think it would be absolutely thrilling for all the kids that take part Louise. It is such a beautiful border crossing and the Peace Arch Park is an International park -- half of the Canadian side and the other on the American side.
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