v37.2: The Queen

Good morning folks,

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It is an overcast, foggy, rainy day here in Halifax.  In fact, it has been this way most of the week.  We've been blessed with some nice hot weather lately so having a few days of rain and cooler temperatures has been nice, hopefully we have nice weather on Canada Day.

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As I mentioned yesterday, the Queen of England is in town this week.  She arrived yesterday and has been fairly busy ever since.  For an 84 year old lady, she sure is a spry young gal.  Despite the rain and poor weather conditions, she was out and about most of the day yesterday seeing the sights and attending festivities.  Today she is doing a fleet inspection of approximately 22 naval vessels from all over.  In addition, a very special certificate from the World Ship Trust will be issued by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.  This is something that makes me very proud as the certificate is the prestigious International Maritime Heritage Award which will be given to the same ship my Grandfather served on during the Pacific war; the HMCS Haida.

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[caption id="attachment_1263" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="HMCS Haida"][/caption]

"Built as a Tribal Class destroyer in 1941 for the Royal Canadian Navy, the HMCS Haida was converted to a destroyer escort in 1950. HMCS Haida is the last of its kind in the world. She is also Canada’s most decorated warship."

I have a painting of this ship in my house which I received after my Grandfather passed away.  It holds a special place in my heart and is hung where it can be seen with pride and honor.  It gives me great pride to hear this special dedication and certificate will be given to the Haida.  I spent a great deal of my childhood hearing about the ship and even though my Grandmother has been gone for many years, I can still hear her voice in my head telling me stories of when my Grandfather would ship out and how life was like for her and her children as each day they waited to hear whether he was coming home or not.  I can only imagine the sacrifice.

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Well folks, time for me to head back to work and try not to let my mind wander today.  I hope everyone has a great day.

Cheers,

Al