For more than 50 years now, Halifax has been sending a Christmas tree to Boston to thank the American city for its emergency aid and relief supplies sent north in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion.

A 13.7-metre white spruce from Martins Brook, N.S., was chosen as this year’s tree. It will serve as a symbol of gratitude for Boston’s response within 24 hours of the 1917 disaster that claimed nearly 2,000 lives.

This year marks the first time a Boston mayor has travelled to receive the tree in person.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is in Halifax as part of a multi-day tour, which includes the city’s port and health innovation hub, and to take part in Wednesday’s Tree for Boston tree cutting ceremony.

She met with Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore at Halifax City Hall on Tuesday morning, and amid

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