Halifax marks the Battle of the Atlantic

Halifax commemorated the Battle of the Atlantic, honouring the service of the thousands of Canadians who fought in the longest battle of the Second World War.

Beginning in September 1939 and lasting until May 1945, the Battle of the Atlantic lasted a total 2,075 days.

It involved naval blockades pitting Allied ships and aircraft against German U-boats, planes, and warships, and is often referred to as a defining moment for the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Merchant Navy.

READ MORE: WWII veteran travels back to Halifax for wish of a lifetime, attends Battle of the Atlantic ceremony

On Sunday, hundreds of military personnel marched through Point Pleasant Park taking part in a ceremony that marks the 74th anniversary of the end battle.

Of special interest for this ceremony is the commemoration of the 128 sailors who lost their lives in the sinking of HMCS Athabaskan 75 years ago.

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HMCS Athabaskan sank on April 29, 1944, in the English channel after being struck by a German torpedo boat. In addition to the 128 sailors who died, 84 were taken captive. But there were heroics in the midst of the loss of life.

“This event reminds us of the fragility of life at sea – but the daring rescue of 48 Athabaskan sailors by Harry DeWolf and HMCS Haida reminds us of our proud naval heritage,” said Vice-Adm. Rony Lloyd, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

“Members of the Royal Canadian Navy are proud to follow in the footsteps of these brave sailors and remain ready to help, ready to lead and ready to fight on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Members of the Royal Canadian Navy are proud to follow in the footsteps of these brave sailors and remain ready to help, ready to lead and ready to fight on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians."

It was the first of three Canadian vessels to bear the name of HMCS Athabaskan.

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Ceremonies are set to be held throughout the province.

With files from Whitney Middleton-Oickle