Exactly 100 years ago this Tuesday, the Naval Services Act received Royal Assent and established the Department of Naval Services in Canada.
They are numerous events planed to mark the Navy’s 100th year of service, and on Monday, Canada Post unveiled two commemorative stamps for the occasion at the Canadian War Museum.
“The purpose of the Canadian Navy’s centennial is not just to celebrate our achievement or tell the story of our navy; it is also to publicly renew our commitment to Canada and to the future,” said Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, chief of the maritime staff. “The support of Canadians citizens allows is to do the job we have been assigned and we thank the people of Canada for recognizing this important time in Canadian naval history and for sharing it with us.”
One stamp features the HMCS Niobe, one of the warships that Canada purchased from Great Britain after the Naval Services Act passed. Set above the ship is a portrait of an unnamed sailor taken around that time.
The other stamp depicts the HMSC Halifax, the first of the navy’s modern patrol frigates built in Saint John New Brunswick. The stamp also has a portrait of Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Cheryl Bush, who took part in the unveiling yesterday.
On Tuesday, McFadden will present the Canadian Navy Centennial Bell to the people of Canada in a ceremony held in the Senate chamber on Parliament Hill.
