Crossing Conversations: 50 Years of International Friendship
Crossing Conversations” airs next on:
- WKAR World TV23.2, Wed, October 24th at 8:00pm (ET).
In 2012, the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge marks 50 years joining the cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; the State of Michigan, and the Province of Ontario; and the United States and Canada.
“The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Authority (SSMBA), as part of this year’s 50th anniversary celebration, has released a commemorative video outlining the bridge’s past and future.
(Now available on line, in High Definition!)
“The title alone, ‘Crossing Conversations: 50 Years of International Friendship,’ conveys what the International Bridge has meant to the Sault Ste. Marie communities, our state and province, and our two countries,” said Phil Becker, general manager of the International Bridge Administration (IBA). “The video captures the obstacles that were overcome to build this crossing, and the spirit of cooperation that endures today.”
Commemorating this significant milestone, the video shares the history of the crossing’s genesis, highlights the IBA’s legacy of top-quality maintenance, and provides a look at the next 50 years of the bridge’s service to the U.S. and Canada. The video also features a recently rediscovered special message from President John F. Kennedy recorded for the bridge’s formal dedication ceremony in 1963.
The 26-minute video was produced by SSMBA, the IBA, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the St. Mary’s River Bridge Company, and Federal Bridge Corp. Ltd.
“Crossing Conversations” was shown publicly June 28 at the commemorative lighting ceremony at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and at the Soo Locks Visitors Center. The video is now available online at www.saultbridge.com and will be broadcast on several television stations in Michigan and Ontario. The broadcast schedule will be posted at www.saultbridge.com.
Broadcasters interested in showing “Crossing Conversations” on their station can contact James Lake at 906-786-1800 or lakej1@michigan.gov.
Readers may also view our videos on our Youtube Channel at: Sault Bridge YouTube
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge “Celebrating 50 Years of International Friendship, 1962 – 2012”