While July 2 has been called Peaceful Borders Day locally for a couple years, Canada’s Prime Minister Steven Harper has made it official.
Harper last week signed an official proclamation naming July 2 Peaceful Borders Day. His action was prompted by a letter sent in February by International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason.
Mason sent a similar letter to United States Pres. Barack Obama asking him to also proclaim the day Peaceful Borders Day.
Harper’s proclamation urges “all citizens of both Canada and the United States to pause on this day to appreciate the blessings of good friends and good neighbors across peaceful borders and to honor this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities such as the International Tug-of-War held across the Rainy River in International Falls, Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario.”
Mason said local officials are pleased that Harper has recognized the annual Pulling for Peace event with the proclamation.
“It is the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, so his timing is extraordinarily fitting,” said Mason. “The Town of Fort Frances and the city of International Falls had contacted their respective national leadership in February regarding Pulling for Peace, explaining what it symbolizes between our two great nations, and how fortunate we are to be friendly neighbors and productive trade partners. ”
The proclamation recognizes that the two nations have enjoyed 197 years of peaceful borders reinforcing the strong bonds of friendship between the neighboring nations.
“It bears remembrance that we share the longest undefended border in the world, a lesson of peace for all nations,” said the proclamation.
Harper notes in a letter to the mayor accompanying the proclamation that in December he and Obama launched the “Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan” to ensure the shared border “is as open, efficient and secure as possible. Through our joint efforts to deliver on initiatives under the action plan, travelers will see increased efficiency in management of the border.”
Mason said Obama’s office has been informed of Harper’s proclamation and city officials have reiterated their request for his endorsement as well.
“In addition, we have contacted our federal delegation regarding this latest development and have requested their assistance in communicating to the president,” said Mason. “It is the Pulling for Peace’s long range vision to eventually have the president and the prime minister captain their respective tug of war teams. Wouldn’t that be a great day in Borderland?”
Meanwhile, Harper’s letter commends and recognizes the spirit of international cooperation that is apparent in the organization of activities such as the International Tug of War. “I encourage you to continue to involve and inspire the citizens of your community in such traditions.”
Harper closes his letter to Mason by wishing “you every success in this year’s friendly competition.”
