Published Dec 06, 2024 • Last updated 13 hours ago • 1 minute read
Arthur J. LeBlanc, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, lays a wreath during memorial service on the 107th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion at Fort Needham Memorial Park in Halifax on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle Herald
The sun came out to greet people who gathered to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion at the Bell Tower in Forth Needham Park in the city’s north end on Friday morning.
The 1917 disaster devastated the city, killing over 1,700 people and injuring 9,000 more.
Photographer Tim Krochak captured these images from the annual commemoration, where Jon Murphy gave a speech in recognition of the survivors.
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Murphy’s family lost 14 members on Dec. 6, 1917. He and his family still live in the home on Russell Street, which was rebuilt after the explosion.
Jon Murphy gives a speech in recognition of the survivors during a memorial service on the 107th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion at Fort Needham Memorial Park in Halifax on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Murphy’s family lost 14 members that day and he and his family still live in the home on Russell Street, rebuilt after the explosion. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle Herald
During his speech, Murphy said he finds it interesting “that the best of the human spirit shown 107 years ago are the same traits that need to be applied today.
“Picture December 6, 1917, and the days and months afterward. Confusion, fear loss, many people homeless, the only possessions would be what they could fit in a bag.
“Now picture what many are experiencing today here and around the world. Confusion, fear, loss, homelessness, possessing only what they can carry in a bag.
“As I close off, I would challenge us to reject what seems to be a global mood of contempt, disdain and mild disgust for those that are enduring extremely difficult circumstances and embrace the north end and Nova Scotian qualities of resilience and helping those who are in need. Do this while remember those who have come here to remember and honour today.
I often tell people I am born, bred and destined to die in the north end. We should all be so lucky.”
Members of the RCMP bow heads during prayer at a memorial service on the 107th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion at Fort Needham Memorial Park in Halifax on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle Herald
Jon Murphy gives a speech in recognition of survivors during memorial service on the 107th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion at Fort Needham Memorial Park in Halifax on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle Herald
