THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay and Gifu share a hope that the history of the Second World War air raid that decimated the Japanese sister city never repeats on either side of the world.
Gifu was nearly eradicated during a late night Second World War air raid on July 9, 1945 that dropped hundreds of tonnes of explosives over 30 minutes, igniting a city-wide inferno that killed nearly 900 people, injuring hundreds more and damaging 20,000 buildings, displacing 100,000 people from their homes.
Seventy-four years later, the ringing of the Peace Bell outside Thunder Bay city hall for the 12th straight year on Tuesday coincides with a similar ceremony in Gifu to remember the devastating impact and serve as a lesson of the horrors of war.
“Not only is Gifu our sister city, but it’s really important to remember history, remember key events that have shaped the way the world and cities react,” said Matthew Villella, chair of the city’s sister cities advisory committee.
Thunder Bay and Gifu have had a sister city relationship since 2007, when the annual bell ringing tradition began here.
History can easily be forgotten, especially by current and future generations, if there isn’t a constant reminder, Villella said.
“It’s unimaginable in our lifetime what devastation (907) tonnes of bombs can do to a city,” Villella said. “If that hit Thunder Bay, we would be devastated. It’s a huge scope and it’s really important to understand what happened that night.”
Previously, Gifu leaders came to Thunder Bay in 2016 to participate in the ceremony. With a delegation scheduled to visit next month, a letter was sent expressing the Japanese city’s appreciation for making the occasion.
“I hope that you and those in your city can share our wish this year as well, and that the ringing of the peace bell opens up an opportunity to tell the future generations of the importance of peace,” said Gifu mayor Masanao Shibahashi in a letter that was sent to Thunder Bay mayor Bill Mauro.
Villella said Thunder Bay’s continued recognition of the event carries significant meaning for Gifu.
“They love Thunder Bay. They love coming here,” Villella said. “They love our community, our nature. They love our commitment to peace. That is what our biggest bond is, is peace and prosperity.”
“It means a lot to them and it means a lot to our sister city relationship moving forward that we continue with this symbolic ceremony.”
