If ever there was a cause for celebration, this peace treaty was it.
I understand the meaning of it. I just can't make up a situation where the sentence fits.
If it were in present tense, I guess I could imagine that the heads of some countries are discussing in a conference, just after ending a war, which is really disaster to the world. Therefor, none of them want a celebration.
If ever there is a cause for celebration, this peace treaty is it.
How about the original one (past tense)? Could someone help me on this?