International Peace Garden

Sep 4

Written By British Columbia Women's Institute

For 75 years the International Peace Garden has been a unique tribute to the peace and friendship between the people of Canada and the United States of America. Dedication of the International Peace Garden (on the border of Manitoba and North Dakota) took place on July 14, 1932. The simple boundary marker (a cairn built of stones gathered from both sided of the border) bears a plaque reading:

“To God in His Glory, we two nations dedicate this garden and pledge ourselves that as long as men shall live, we will not take up arms against one another.”

The International Peace Garden is now a botanical garden encompassing 2,239 acres of nature's beauty - featuring two lakes, scenic hiking and driving trails, wildflowers, waterfalls and a large variety of North American birds and animals. The Formal Garden with its colourful floral displays is very impressive.

The Peace Towers symbolize the coming together of people from all over the world to form two distinct nations who have agreed to live in peace. The Peace Chapel features dozens of quotes from “people of peace” etched into its beautiful limestone walls. A vivid reminder of how we all must work together is the 9/11 Memorial Site of twisted girders, which were rescued from the devastation from the World Trade Centre.

The International Peace Garden, which straddles the 49th parallel between Manitoba and North Dakota, celebrated its 75th Anniversary on July 14, 2007 with a gala event.

Hundreds of Americans and Canadians took in the many events. It was unfortunate that the torrential rains of a couple of weeks earlier had flooded much of the Garden and the usually majestic flower beds were not at their colourful best.

After a visit to the Peace Towers, Peace Chapel and the Memorial to 9/11, it was nice to relax in the shade and listen to the native fiddlers and watch the Metis dancers. The “Tribute to Peace” began with the National Anthems of the two countries followed by messages from the Premier of Manitoba and the Governor of North Dakota, local politicians and dignitaries. Three gentlemen at the event had been at the opening of the Garden seventy-five years ago.

A visit to the Maple Picnic Area, supported b Manitoba WI and FWIC brought our visit to a close. (Article transcribed from FWIC News Fall/Winter 2007.)

Ruth Fenner, Provincial Historian, British Columbia Women's Institute