Our sailors sacrifice so much and they deserve our thanks.
What better time to show our appreciation than during the Navy’s Centennial year?
This anniversary offers us an excellent opportunity to recognise the vibrant heritage of our Navy, while we help to, as their Centennial motto says, “Commemorate, Celebrate and Commit.”
Throughout the year, we will see many of the world’s navies come together off our shores.
There will be port visits on the east and west coasts, and celebrations across the country.
As we celebrate the Navy’s distinguished past, we recognise the Navy’s continuing commitment to serve Canada and Canadians.
We need only look to the sailors who supported the RCMP with surveillance patrols, port security and clearance diving, to secure the Vancouver Olympic Games.
And the men and women of HMCS Halifax and Athabaskan who worked so hard to deliver aid to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
And HMCS Fredericton – now on its way back home – which was engaged in NATO counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations off the Horn of Africa.
People from coast to coast to coast have good reason to be proud of how our Navy has flown Canada’s flag around the world.
Tonne-for-tonne – and sailor-for-sailor – it is the best in the world.
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