Canada's Naval History

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The Navy: A Century in Art

Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval traditions and culture encompass a wide range of activities, events, and objects, often unique to naval service. Some, like the "crossing the line" (meaning, the equator) ceremony, are old and well-established, while others, such as gun shield art, related directly to Second World War experiences. Many reflect companionship, commemoration, recreation, or esprit de corps.

Anniversary Celebrations, Quebec City

Sailors from the Royal Canadian Navy (left) and French Navy (right) provide a guard of honour during 1958 celebrations in Quebec City.

Navies and other military services have traditionally taken part in civic ceremonies and celebrations. As part of events relating to the city's 350th anniversary, warships from Canada, Britain, France, and the United States visited the city. Two of the visiting Canadian ships, HMCS St. Laurent and HMCS Saguenay, provided the personnel for the Canadian guard seen here.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19920085-1013