The Bell of Friendship

By Penny Pitcher

The Bell of Friendship, located in Centennial Park (Belleville and Pendray) was unveiled in a recent ceremony. The Bell marks 30 years of twinning between Morioka, Japan and the City of Victoria.

This twinning has included cultural and sporting exchanges, school exchanges, and home stay programs with School District 61.

The bell, a gift from the Morioka Victoria Friendship Society, also reflects the support and financial aid that residents in Victoria donated during the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011.

Six delegates from the Japanese city, including Mayor Hiroaki Tanifuji, attended the celebration.

Victoria is Morioka's only twin city.