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NATURAL RESOURCES--Tree for Boston Donated by East Amherst Family

5 days ago
2 min read

Henry and Pat Knol will be sending their stately white spruce from East Amherst to Massachusetts as Nova Scotia’s 2026 Tree for Boston.


The 14-metre (46-foot) tree will be the latest thank you to Boston for sending medical personnel and supplies to Nova Scotia following the Halifax Explosion in 1917.


“The Boston tree is an important tradition for Nova Scotians, who will always be grateful for the support Massachusetts showed during one of our province's hardest chapters,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “It is a symbol of the enduring tie between our regions, our shared history and the friendship we are dedicated to upholding across the border.”


The public can attend the tree-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, November 18, at 10:30 a.m. at 880 Hwy. 6, East Amherst, Cumberland County.


Quotes:

“We feel very honoured that a tree from our property has been chosen as the 2026 Tree for Boston. We are proud to be part of such a long-standing tradition. What makes this experience even more special is that some years ago our cousin transported the tree to Boston while working for the Department of Transportation. Although he is no longer with us, it is very special to know that our family has this connection to such a special tradition, and we feel very fortunate to now be a part of it ourselves.”

— Henry and Pat Knol


Quick Facts:

- 2026 marks the 109th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion

- Boston dispatched a train with supplies and emergency personnel within 24 hours of the disaster, which killed nearly 2,000 people and left thousands more injured and homeless

- the first Tree for Boston was donated by Joseph Slaunwhite from Lunenburg County

- the City of Boston’s 85th annual tree-lighting ceremony will take place December 3 in Boston Common


Additional Resources:

Tree for Boston:


 
 
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