CMS NR09.006 - October 15, 2009
OTTAWA – It was in the spirit of a long tradition of art illustrating the Canadian Navy's history that the Canadian Naval Centennial Project commissioned six new paintings to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy as part of a formal art program. The Painting "Unveiling" Ceremony was held today at the Cartier Square Drill Hall, in Ottawa.
The centennial paintings, created by four accomplished Canadian artists, reflect significant eras in Canadian naval history: the First World War, Second World War, Korean War, Cold War, First Gulf War and the Campaign against Terrorism. These paintings brilliantly capture some of the achievements of the Canadian Navy since its founding on 4 May 1910.
"The deeds of our sailors and officers, through almost one hundred years of our navy's history, have been illustrated by artists such as Harold Beament, Commander Anthony Law, who also served at sea with the navy during the Second World War, and those who have participated in the Canadian Naval Centennial Art Program." said Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, Chief of the Maritime Staff and Commander of the Navy. "The naval centennial art program artwork unveiled today is one of a multitude of activities and events planned for the Canadian Naval Centennial, a historic milestone for Canada and the Canadian Navy."
The aim of the Canadian Naval Centennial is to build and strengthen an appreciation for the Canadian Navy in a maritime nation like Canada and to promote the role of the navy within the Canadian Forces. The theme is to "Bring the Navy to Canadians" and events will be held to honour the past, showcase the current navy, and reinforce the ongoing role of our navy in the future. These paintings will play their part in achieving those objectives.
Centennial events will take place across the country in 2010. They include major international fleet assemblies scheduled for June and July in Victoria and Halifax during the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. As well, a group of naval warships will visit Toronto during the Canadian National Exhibition, and an increased number of port visits are planned for both coasts and in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes including the Rendez-Vous Naval event in Quebec City. A musical review, "Sailors and Songs", by the navy's bands will also tour the country visiting over fifty locations across Canada.
Canadians are encouraged to become involved in the centennial of our nation's navy by joining in any of the public celebrations occurring near you.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, please contact the Navy Public Affairs Office at (613) 945-1287.
