CARIEVALE — We hear of tensions between Canada and the United States. Unwanted tariffs; trade wars; border disputes; the list is lengthy. But residents of border towns experience more unity than disagreement.
For instance, did you know that Sherwood in North Dakota used to pay for border guards to work longer hours on the 4th of July so that Canadians could stay out longer to watch the fireworks? This cost was factored into their celebration budget.
Another example of oneness rather than divisiveness are the Memorial Day/Remembrance Day services honouring the sacrifices of men and women in keeping our freedom. Every year, American veterans travel to Carnduff on Nov. 11 and Canadian Legion members reciprocate by attending the Memorial Day service in Sherwood.
In Sherwood, members do more than simply attend. This year, for the 85th consecutive year, Canadians and Americans took part in Hands Across the Border. Many border towns have tried their own version of this but none have lasted. Except for what happens at the Carievale/Sherwood border.
During the COVID years, this event had to be altered but it was never cancelled. Since 1937, Canadian hands have joined American hands at this location.
This is what happens. Members of the Canadian Legion in Carnduff drive across the border north of Sherwood to park their cars. They then walk back to the Canadian side of the border and stand there, waiting for American Legion members to walk from their cars to meet them. A representative of each Legion bears their national flag and, upon meeting at the border, exchanges them. Those flagbearers then exchange a drink from a flask and, as a unit, walk back to their parked cars and drive into Sherwood for the Memorial Day service.
There was a time when the Legion members would walk all the way to Sherwood, but aging has made that too difficult for some.
What a tradition of unity! It started when border guards on each side of the border exchanged flags and it has blossomed in this 85-year tradition.
International unity still exists. Just ask the Legion members of Carnduff and Sherwood.
