PEACE ARCH PARK

The beautiful Peace Park straddles the border of our two nations at Blaine, WA and White Rock, BC. The arch was dedicated in 1921 commemorating the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, and the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817, treaties with Great Britain. The treaties provided for an unguarded U.S. and Canadian border after the War of 1812. The legend on the U.S. side reads: Children Of A Common Mother. On the Canadian side: Brethren Dwelling In Unity. Noble sentiments for two countries that have lived together in a lasting peace.
Because of the upcoming winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C., Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, with Governor Chris Gregoire and Representative Rick Larsen, toured the border crossing and a $4 million Olympics Coordination Center in Bellingham last Monday.
We expect the crossing will be guarded during the Olympics, although Napolitano was tight lipped about any plans.


The U.S. and Canada co-maintain the monument and parks, a unique and beautiful setting with vast lawns and gardens, 100 picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, magnificent views of Point Roberts, Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands.The U.S. provides an international sculpture exhibit, different each year, that runs from May through September.
I photographed all of them and the destination pole, a joint effort by the U.S. Canada Peace Anniversary Association, which can be viewed through the link below. Many sculptures have friendship and joyous themes. http://picasaweb.google.com/1579penn/PeaceArchPark#
Each year the Association sponsors a "Hands Across The Border" celebration.
The photo above, Zero Ave. leads from the street to a path through a line to a boundary marker and on, to the base of the 67 foot arch. Beauty, sculpture, friendship and rich history. Such a deal!