I fully agree with Peng You (letters 10 August) when he calls on the city to retain the Sister Cities Program which is a way of connecting Thunder Bay with the rest of the world.
This is particularly important given that the city does not have access to a single national daily newspaper which can promote a sense of either isolationism or exceptionalism, neither of which is healthy.
I was involved in the Friendship Agreement that was developed between Thunder Bay and the London Borough of Bromley which recognises the 88 Canadian soldiers who died in Orpington hospital during the Great War and were buried in ‘Canadian Corner’ at All Saints Church.
One of these soldiers, Victor Lilia, came from Thunder Bay. Another soldier who died at Orpington Hospital, Tom Stanworth, also came from Thunder Bay and is remembered on the City’s memorial to the local 52nd Battalion. The historical link between Bromley and Thunder Bay is important and should not be forgotten.
The people of Orpington celebrate this link every year when a Remembrance service is held at Canadian Corner attended by the Canadian High Commissioner.
Thunder Bay should step up and play it’s part in this symbol of friendship between the two communities.
John Pateman
Norah Street
Thunder Bay
