This year marks the Canadian Navy’s 100 years of service in protecting the waters of our great nation. In celebration of this, ceremonies are taking place across Canada and with Halifax being the home of Canada’s East Coast Navy, we have no shortage of festivities.

Yesterday, May 4, was the actual “birthday” of the navy and in recognition of this, sailors were granted “Freedom of the City” from Mayor Peter Kelly. It was indeed a spectacular sight with 1,000 uniformed sailors marching through the streets of downtown Halifax to congregate in Grand Parade at the steps of City Hall. With trumpets blaring and drums beating, they proudly marched into the square to be greeted with reverence and appreciation by the crowd. Upon arrival at city hall, Rear Admiral Paul Maddison knocked three times on the doors with his scepter asking to be granted access to the city. This tradition dates back to roman times when soldiers were forbidden to enter the city after a battle without gaining the express permission of the emperor. Naturally, permission was granted, and the highest honour a person or group can receive was bestowed upon the East Coast Navy.

Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Navy, through whose hard work and dedication we remain “Glorious and Free”.

A Cape Breton gal born and bred, Erin traded in the tar ponds of Sydney for the windswept marshes of Sackville, N.B. where she received her Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Marketing from Mount Allison University. In addition to her formal education, Erin enrolled in the school of life and has travelled overseas extensively, living in both Scotland and The Netherlands. With respect to her work at trampoline, as the old adage goes, "if Erin doesn't know, it ain't worth knowing." In her spare time, Erin owns and operates Step Lively School of Dance, and waits for Adam to propose.