B.C.-Washington border communities rally for peace amid rising political tensions [Video]

The towering Peace Arch monument, standing on the Canada-U.S. border between Surrey, B.C., and Blaine, Wash., bears two inscriptions: “Children of a Common Mother” on the U.S. side, and “Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity” on the Canadian side. 

On Saturday morning, dozens of residents from both countries gathered at its base for a rally calling for unity and friendship amid rising tensions between Canada and the U.S.

Attendees held signs condemning U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about annexing Canada as the 51st state, while others sang songs and chanted slogans, hoping diplomacy and goodwill would prevail over the strained relations between the two neighbours.

Among them, a trio from the Bellingham-based activist group Raging Grannies dedicated a song to the bond between the two nations.

“We understand the situation and …