A 13-metre white spruce tree cut in Antigonish County is ready for its trip to the United States as part of an annual tradition of thanks for the help that flowed from Boston following the Halifax Explosion.

John and Ethel Ann MacPherson from Purlbrook donated the 55-year-old tree, which is the 43rd Christmas tree to be sent to Boston since the tradition began.

The Boston Christmas tree, moments before it was cut down. (Stephanie Clattenburg/CBC) The tree was cut Monday by students from the Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Campus.

But it won't be heading for the border yet. First, it will stop at Grand Parade in Halifax for a ceremony on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. It will also be on display in Amherst at 3:45 p.m.

Boston was quick to send medical personnel and supplies after the 1917 explosion, which killed about 2,000 people and injured thousands.

As a thank you, Halifax sent Boston a Christmas tree in 1918. In 1971, the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association revived the gift and began an annual tradition to promote Christmas tree exports.

This year's tree lighting on the Boston Common will take place Dec. 4.