There’s no place like Halifax for the Canadian Forces, according to Rear Admiral Paul Maddison.
“It’s the best place to serve,” said the Halifax-based Commander of Joint Task Force (Atlantic).
Maddison was on hand yesterday for an open house at HMC Dockyard, where locally based Canadian Forces members had a chance to show off what they do.
Halifax has the Canada’s largest military base, boasting a 250-year history.
About 3,600 people took in the this year’s event, up from about 3,000 last year. This was the third consecutive year an open house was held at HMC Dockyard.
“It’s a chance for the public to understand who their army is,” Mike Bonin, the base public affairs officer, said.
The HMC Dockyard was filled with families and children Sunday. Local members of the Canadian Forces led youngsters through obstacle courses, painted their faces with camouflage and took them for rides in lightly armoured vehicles.
People could also take tours on Navy ships and a grounded Sea King Helicopter.
“There’s lots of support here. There are lots of people coming out,” said Anthony Dopp, a former Canadian Forces member who took his son to the event. “It’s really cool.”
During yesterday’s open house, Mayor Peter Kelly unveiled a Welcome to HRM sign that celebrates the East Coast Navy. The signs will be installed along Highway 101, 102 and 103 leading into Halifax.
