SHERWOOD, N.D. — Hands Across The Border has been taking place at the Canada-U.S. border crossing between Carievale, Sask., and Sherwood, N.D., for 88 years.
It's a one-of-a-kind annual event. Even COVID-19 couldn’t prevent this from happening.
The exact details of how it gt started back in 1937 are not certain, but folklore suggests that a guard on the Canadian side was talking to his American counterpart about the special relationship between the two countries, especially in this area, and thought something could be done on the U.S. Memorial Day to express that.
Over the years, Hands Across The Border developed. A contingent of Canadian veterans, legion members and law enforcement officers lined up on the Canadian side with their flags, and face a similar group from the American side.
They then marched towards each other, meeting at the actual border. The flagbearers carrying the two national flags then exchanged flags. From there, the whole entourage then marched to Sherwood to observe Memorial Day, remembering deceased men and women who served in the wars, and others, such as firefighters and police officers, who died in the line of duty.
It has changed somewhat with the passing of time. For instance, as men and women have aged, the march to Sherwood has been replaced with a drive to Sherwood. And a few years ago, a new tradition was introduced. As Bruce Sanderson, the American flag-holder was exchanging his flag with the Canadian flag holder, he unexpectedly pulled a flask of whiskey from his pocket and offered the Canadian a drink.
The Canadian accepted and passed the flask back to Sanderson, who in turn took a gulp.
Canadians have been attending the Memorial Day service throughout all those years and Americans have reciprocated by attending the Remembrance Day service in Carnduff. A special bond has developed between veterans and legion members of both countries.
The respect between the two nations has really shown itself south of the border. Canadians are often called to take on significant roles in the Memorial Day service. As an example, Craig Bird of the Estevan Police Service was the featured speaker this year. He started his speech talking of his disappointment that some chose to skip this year’s event as a protest against tariffs and politics, making a political statement rather than using the day for what was intended - remembering and honouring those who fought for freedom on both sides of the border.
He also used his address to share about his experiences this past year in travelling to places around the world. He saw firsthand the meaningful ways other countries remember the sacrifices that were made for their freedoms. He also spoke of initiatives that he personally has taken to make remembering our veterans more meaningful.
Over the years, there have been many outstanding speakers at Sherwood’s Memorial Day service. For example, Paul Murray, who survived the Japanese attack that sank the U.S.S. Indianapolis at Pearl Harbor, has spoken in the past.
Following the Memorial Day service, a short parade took place as people walked to the local fire hall. In 1991, while putting out a fire, two volunteer firefighters died during an explosion. Six others were injured to varying degrees. One of those men, Tim Schneiderman, who was badly burned, laid a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives. Schneiderman still serves as a volunteer.
From there, it was onto the cemetery to lay two more wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and hear three salutary cannon shots. The day ended with everyone heading back to the American Legion Bothun-Peterson Post 213 Memorial Hall for lunch.
Over its history Hands Across The Border has influenced several Americans in deciding to go to war. There was a time when a group from Shilo, Man., took part in the event and their eye-catching uniforms and disciplined marching impressed young people enough that they enlisted to serve. It has been a tradition with life-changing impact.
The RCMP uniform has been a factor in having Canadians take a leading part in the Memorial Day events. Derek Dyck, who is with the RCMP detachment in Carnduff, had the honours this year.
