City of Toronto celebrates 100 years of Canadian Naval Services

TORONTO, Sept. 3 /CNW/ - Toronto Mayor David Miller, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair and many city residents lined Yonge Street today to watch members from Toronto's Naval Reserve Division, HMCS YORK, take part in a Freedom of the City march in celebration of the Canadian Naval Services centenary year.

Freedom of the City is a prized honour Canadian cities bestow upon a military or naval unit, giving the unit the privilege of marching through the community.

The mayor also marked this occasion by proclaiming Friday, September 3, 2010, Naval Day as part of the ceremonial event that took place on Nathan Phillips Square this evening.

"Celebrating a century of service is a tremendous milestone for the Canadian Naval Services and in Canada's history," said Mayor David Miller. "The Navy, in particularly HMCS YORK, has always had a significant connection to our city. I encourage all Torontonians to celebrate Naval Day and honour the men and women who have served in the Canadian Naval Services with distinction."

Toronto's Naval Reserve Division, HMCS YORK, has taken part in Freedom of the City marches in the past, ever since Toronto City Council resolved to confer the Freedom of the City on HMCS YORK in 1983. This allows the division to march through the streets for as long as the HMCS YORK continues to serve Canada.

Similar Freedom of the City marches have been held in other cities across the country.

The Canadian Naval Services is holding a number of community celebration events this year. Torontonians are encouraged to come out and support the Navy in its 100th year. To find out more about related events, visit http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/centennial.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    
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For further information: Media contact: RoseMarie Demarco, City of Toronto, 416-392-8191, [email protected]