2010 SHAWN JEFFORDS from The Observer

Lou Howard stands quietly, arms folded, and prays.

He’s thinking of the 44 young sailors from the HMCS Esquimalt who died in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, as he and his fellow crewmen aboard the HMCS Sarnia struggled to save their lives on April 16, 1945.

The 86-year-old veteran has been to many commemoration ceremonies, and he can’t help but think of the death that surrounded him that day, he said

“I think of the guys, their mothers, their girlfriends. They were all so young.”

Howard was joined by dozens of veterans, dignitaries and others who braved a chill rain fit for the North Atlantic to honour the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy, the 96th anniversary of the city of Sarnia, and the HMCS Sarnia itself.

The Bangor-class minesweeper named for the city served during Second World War. Sarnia is one of many cities the Canadian Navy is reconnecting with on the 100th anniversary tour.

Howard, who came from Ottawa for the event, spoke about the HMCS Sarnia and her most famous mission in the final days of the war. The ship was called in to rescue the the HMCS Esquimalt survivors after it was sunk by a German submarine.

The Sarnia came to a full stop as it reached the survivors, freezing in the sea. Howard remembers being up to his waist in water, helping the Esquimalt’s sailors up a scramble net on the ship as they cut the engines, leaving the vessel defenceless.

“We were sitting ducks,” Howard said. ” … It was the scariest moment of my life.”

Fortunately, the German sub had left the area, fearing it would be captured.

“We were the luckiest guys in the world that day,” he said.

In the decades since, Howard said his knowledge and affection has grown for the ship’s namesake city.

“This celebration really is something wonderful,” he said.

More than 300 ships were named for Canadian communities in the Second World War. A special scrapbook gathered by veterans who served aboard the Sarnia and a plaque of the ship were presented to Mayor Mike Bradley.

Bradley said to older generations tales of the HMCS Sarnia hold meaning. For younger generations, who haven’t known war, it’s an important lesson.

“It’s important to remember the contribution that these men made,” he said. “… We lost over 70 ships.”

Chief Petty Officer Murray Quinton, of the HMCS Prevost, said the Navy wants to thank the communities for their support. The ceremonies focus on looking back, but also remind today’s youth of the sacrifices that shaped Canada, he said.

“You have to know where you’ve come from to know where you’re going,” Quinton said.