Let peace prevail

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Published on Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Photos courtesy of Al and Jean Borchardt

This cairn, composed of steel rescued from the World Trade Centre is an enduring reminder of the 9/11 attack.

By Jean Borchardt

Submitted

On Friday, June 22, My husband Rev. Al  Borchardt and I decided to take an excursion to the International Peace Gardens.

The intentions were to meet some friends there, but due to a misunderstanding it turned out to be a sight seeing trip. What a glorious place the Peace Gardens are. We have been there one other time when our youngest son went to the Legion Athletic Camp that they were having there, but at that time we dropped him off and that was the extent of our visit.

The dream of a formal botanical garden in the heart of the North American continent took shape in the late 1920’s. The dream became reality on July 14, 1932 with the dedication of a cairn built right on the 49th Parallel in the Turlte Mountains. An estimated 50,000 people attended this important event to establish an International Peace Garden that celebrates the peaceful coexistence of Canada and the United States of America.

A plaque titled “Let Peace Prevail” stands near the monument.

Our trip proved to be a very interesting day. Upon entering the Garden there’s a grand opening marker that was dedicated on July 14, 1932. The plaque is near by Peace Poles presented by the Japanese government, “May Peace Prevail.” The pamphlet we were given at the administration office showed a Promise of Peace sculpture with a pool of water and a hand coming up out of the water, holding up a dove, the symbol of peace. There were many volunteers planting flowers and improving the grounds that day, many youth were involved in the sports activities at the athletic camp, there’s also an International Music Camp and many areas of campsites, picnic areas but he highlight of the trip was to the Memorial Garden where they had a display of the steel beams from the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center. There was so much to see but the amount of walking and the heat of the day proved to be a little over bearing. However, the pictures give an idea of the awesome feeling you get standing there looking at the display and realizing what a horrific day that was, and the many lives that were lost. The plaque reads “Let Peace Prevail”

The International Peace Garden represents a unique and enduring symbol of the  strength of our friendship as nations, our mutual respect and our shared desire for world peace.

The events of Sept 11, 2001 failed to shake the foundation of our shared vision of peace and prosperity for all the world’s people.

This cairn, composed of steel rescued from the devastation of the World Trade Centre in New York, ensures the memory of this tragedy will not be lost and reminds us to cherish tolerance, understanding and freedom.

Officially unveiled by The Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba, September 11, 2002.