HALIFAX -- Canada's navy received its Queen's Colour, Saturday during a parade full of pomp and circumstance in Halifax.Governor General Michaelle Jean presided over the ceremony in front of thousands of onlookers at the foot of Halifax's historic Citadel.She addressed 500 sailors and officers on parade from across Canada, telling them as the military's Commander-in-Chief that it was an honour and source of great pride to wear their uniform.Jean also thanked navy families for their tremendous sacrifices over long separations endured while loved ones serve at sea.the presentation of the colours, or flag, is a prized tradition in the Canadian military and is seen as a symbol of duty to Sovereign and country.
Today's parade marked the first time the navy has received newly consecrated colours since 1979 when the late Queen Mother presided over the ceremony.
Canada's 33 warships, submarines, and coastal defence vessels are divided more or less evenly between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
The home ports of the fleet are Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) in Esquimalt, British Columbia. These formations manage all aspects of fleet maintenance, training and manning, while maintaining the fleet at optimal readiness for deployment as the Canadian Forces and Government see fit.
The ships of the fleet can be deployed in a number of roles; as a uniquely Canadian response to a domestic or international need, or as part of a larger multinational deployment. Deployments can involve the insertion of one ship into a multinational force, or a large essentially self-sufficient task group of complimentary ships, submarines and aircraft. Naval Link:http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/1/1_eng.asp
The United Kingdom of Great Britain, celebrated their first Armed Forces Day.
Tens of thousands of people across the UK have been marking the first ever Armed Forces Day by paying tribute to British servicemen and women.
The government changed the name from Veterans Day to raise awareness and appreciation for those on active duty.
The Queen attended a ceremony in Edinburgh and around 200 other events were held across the country.
This year's main national celebration was held at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham, Kent.
Mr Brown said: The people that have come here today have shown the high esteem and regard in which they hold the Armed Forces of our country.
The Armed Forces who do so much, the families who make such sacrifices. I don't think we say thank you enough, today is our chance to say it and say it with one voice, thank you very much to our Armed Forces.
Congratulations to our UK Allies on their day of distinction and honour.
Thanks again to everyone who attended PEI's Red Rally. Please keep showing your support for our troops and their families. Canada's Invisible Army.
Check this newsflash:http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090628/national/afghan_cda2011
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
