In 1902, Portsmouth celebrated its labor force with a 2000-marcher parade. Over 15,000 spectators lined the streets to applaud the trades. Then in 1905, the Seacoast welcomed the Russian and Japanese delegates to the Treaty of Portsmouth peace conference with a parade led by the New Hampshire National Guard. In 2005, for the 100th anniversary of the Treaty, the New Hampshire Air National Guard hosted a “Welcoming Parade” that honored those who serve. 2005 was also the year that the Seacoast turned out in a force of yellow t-shirts to “Save Our Shipyard” from BRAC closure.
On September 23, 2007, Portsmouth will remember two grand city traditions: a salute to Labor and the tradition of commemorating the Portsmouth Peace Treaty with a public celebration in September, the month the Treaty was signed.
The 2007 Labor/Portsmouth Peace Treaty Parade commemorates the Treaty of Portsmouth—the first Treaty negotiated between two foreign powers on neutral US ground, an accomplishment for which President Theodore Roosevelt earned the Nobel Peace Prize—and honors the men and women who make the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard the “gold standard’ of Shipyards as well as the Seacoast’s police, fire-fighters, teachers, nurses and others who do the same for their trades.
Come show how much the Shipyard, Labor and our History mean to the Seacoast! If you or your group would like more information about participating in the parade, contact Peter Somssich, 603-436-5221, Paul O’Connor, 603-969-1799 or Stephanie Seacord, 603-772-1835 .