The Peace Arch Rises

Like any neighbors, Canada and the United States have had their share of squabbles, but their 3,000-plus mile border has been the envy of the world because of its relative openness. Two cities --one in Washington State and the other in British Columbia--became the site of a Peace Arch in 1921, and this video tells the story of the men behind that monument. Envisioned as a remembrance of the recently fought WWI as well as a testimonial to the relationships between Great Britain and the United States, the construction of the arch was largely accomplished through donations by school children from both Canada and the U.S. Spearheading the effort was a tireless civic leader from Washington state named Samuel Hill and the video portrays his efforts at getting the three governments involved in the project to see it through to completion. Interviews with people who attended the 1921 dedication of the Peace Arch add a human touch to the story and it's interesting to see how public apathy almost doomed the project after the pomp and circumstance of the dedication. This is a well made, tightly organized video which will mainly appeal to libraries along the U.S./Canadian border, but is worthy of consideration by any library. Aud: C, P. (J. Carlson)