Honouring Peace and Friendship at the Peace Arch for International Peace Day

Written By Joel Baziuk

Photo credit: Lucas Calloch (Instagram : @dreiimos) via Unsplash

As North America's two closest neighbours, Canada and the United States share the world's longest undefended border. While trade agreements and political alliances form the structural framework of this alliance, the relationship's true heartbeat lies in its people. Over two centuries of peaceful harmony have been sustained not by military force, but by the deep-rooted friendships, shared history, and person-to-person connections that unite our two nations.

This year, we have a powerful opportunity to honour these bonds in person. In celebration of International Peace Day, the Living Peace Museum is hosting a special cross-border gathering at a monument dedicated entirely to this enduring friendship: the Peace Arch. Straddling the boundary line, the arch serves as a unique meeting place where citizens can literally meet halfway and connect face-to-face without officially crossing a border.

Whether you are a dual citizen, a cross-border professional, or simply someone who believes in fostering closer global ties, focusing on grassroots connection is how we keep the Canada-U.S. relationship thriving.

🕊️ Celebrate Peace

Maintaining deep personal ties takes conscious effort, and the best way to start is by showing up for community dialogue. The Living Peace Museum—a British Columbia-based non-profit dedicated to awareness and understanding of peace heritage traditions—invites neighbours from both sides of the border to connect, share stories, and celebrate our shared history.

If you are near the Pacific Northwest, you can participate directly in this living history:

  • 📅 Date: Sunday, September 20

  • 🕐 Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Peace Arch Historical State Park / Provincial Park

  • 🚗 Parking: 16756 Beach Rd., Surrey, BC, V3S 9R6

  • 🎈 Meeting Point: Head to the park picnic tables and look for the green balloon.

  • 🌐 More Info: Visit peacemuseum.ca to learn about their mission or support their programs.

Joel Baziuk
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