HMCS Discovery brings the Navy to Chinatown

Sonar the Royal Canadian Navy mascot checks in with the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy prior to the parade start. Photo by PO2 Greg Matthews

Lt(N) Paul Pendergast, Naval Reserve Western Region PAO ~

The long history of friendship between HMCS Discovery and the Chinese community in Vancouver is reflected in the many members of the Naval Reserve Unit who are of Chinese heritage.

Several of those reserve sailors were among the military members who braved the sub-zero temperatures to participate in the 2019 Chinatown Spring Festival Parade.

“I was proud to represent the Royal Canadian Navy as a sailor, but I was also representing my family’s heritage and culture,” said Ordinary Seaman Kelly Le. “It really touched me when I was approached by younger girls who asked to take photos with me. Their eyes would light up when they saw a fellow Asian female marching in uniform.”

The 46th annual cultural extravaganza and signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown featured lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, and martial arts performances. While the Year of the Pig in the Chinese Lunar calendar began on Tuesday, Feb. 5, the parade was held on Sunday, Feb. 10. The parade draws over 100,000 spectators along the route each year, plus many more who watch through TV coverage.

HMCS Discovery was joined in the parade by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, as well as local army reserve units, cadet groups, and veterans.

“This parade is a great opportunity to interact with a large number of people who may not have considered the Naval Reserve as an option,” said Commander Christopher Persson, Commanding Officer of HMCS Discovery. “Our members posed for hundreds of selfies, and Sonar the Mascot was very popular with the children.”