Stained-glass window marks naval centennial

Special events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Canadian navy have included a huge military parade and the unveiling of the Homecoming statue on Wharf Street.

A smaller but no less meaningful tribute occurred yesterday when a commemorative stained-glass window was dedicated at St. Paul's Naval and Garrison Church in Esquimalt. The church, consecrated in 1866, has had a close connection with the navy over the years.

Along with the Homecoming statue, the window will be a lasting monument to the naval centennial, said retired rear-admiral Bill Hughes, who led the committee that oversaw the church project.

The window, made by Victoria's Mercer and Schaefer Glasstudios, contains four panels depicting stages in the navy's history. Rev. Canon Andrew Gates called it "a tremendously welcome addition to the already rich military heritage of the church."

U.S. navy crew earns praise

The United States navy made its mark in the community earlier this month when sailors from two visiting ships, the USS Halsey and the USS Sterett, paid a visit to the Burnside Gorge Community Centre for a volunteer painting and cleanup session.

The group mowed lawns, weeded, removed debris and painted three classrooms.

Burnside Gorge custodian Simeon Goa lauded their efforts.

"With volunteers, positive changes are possible and can assist in creating a better working environment and a sense of connection with the community and abroad," Goa said in a statement.