He reminded an audience of dignitaries and shipyard workers that until 1943, Hall would not have been allowed to serve in the Canadian navy because of his race. (Paul Withers/CBC)"It is important that all Canadians know about the HMCS William Hall. It represents the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces that have come to value diversity and inclusion," Safire said. "Knowing and seeing a Canadian naval vessel bearing the name of a Black Nova Scotian, a Black Canadian and a Black naval hero will allow those Blacks and other minorities throughout Canada to feel maybe there is a place for them within our ranks." Tyrell Young (left) and Macey Rolfe welded the traditional coin to the keel of what will be HMCS William Hall.

Source: CBC News February 17, 2021 23:15 UTC