Canadian Navy Commemorates National Flag of Canada Day

Several of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships from the Royal Canadian Navy’s Pacific Fleet were “dressed overall” from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, February 15, to commemorate National Flag of Canada Day, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The official ceremony inaugurating the new Canadian flag was held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965.

HMC Ships Algonquin, Brandon and Yellowknife from Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt, B.C., “dressed overall” with flags and pennants flying to mark National Flag of Canada Day. “Dressing ship” is a navy tradition of flying signal flags on a line from bow to stern with the National Flag at the masthead. This is done to mark significant events in Canada and the Commonwealth.

Today in Canadian warships, the National Flag of Canada is worn at the Jack staff (bow) when ships are alongside, moored or at anchor. The National Flag is also represented in the Canadian Naval Ensign, a white flag flown at the stern or at the main mast while ships are at sea.

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Image: Canadian Navy