About 3,000 Canadian Forces personnel clad in pressed dress uniforms, crisp white hats, shined shoes and brass buttons that gleamed in the spring sun marched on Victoria streets yesterday morning in a rare display of military might to celebrate the navy's 100th anniversary.

Row upon row of sailors, soldiers and air force personnel from CFB Esquimalt marched in time, their ranks undulating down five city blocks at a time. All along the route, clapping and cheering from onlookers almost drowned out the stamping of feet and the "left right, left right" orders from unit chiefs.

Shortly before 10 a.m., the parade led by Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile, commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, arrived at city hall, where, according to tradition, he knocked on the door three times with the pommel of his sword. He was welcomed inside by Mayor Dean Fortin, and the two emerged a short time later to inspect the honour guard lining Douglas Street.

Fortin opened his remarks to the crowd by asking for a moment of silence in memory of Halifax-based Petty Officer Craig Blake, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan on Monday. He was the first Canadian sailor to be killed in Afghanistan since the conflict began in 2002, and his death just a day before the naval centennial lent a sombre tone to yesterday's celebrations.

Noting that the navy has an "exemplary" record of service to Victoria, Fortin read a proclamation bestowing Freedom of the City on the Maritime Forces Pacific, granting it the right to march through the city's streets with colours flying and drums beating in memory of the sailors who have served in the navy in war and peace.

The City of Victoria first granted the unit Freedom of the City in 1985 -- on the navy's 75th anniversary. But the tradition goes back more than three centuries and demonstrates the trust between soldiers and citizens, Fortin said.

Pile, who accepted the proclamation, said the fleet "could not be prouder of the community we call home." And he praised the "unprecedented support" of the city for the navy.

The Esquimalt base forms the core of Canada's defence and security in the Pacific, he said.

"Although small in its numbers of sailors and ships, the Canadian navy continues to excel, punching above its weight-class, and fulfilling key leadership roles at home and around the world," he said. "Your navy has been and continues to be a great investment in a prosperous and safe Canada."

The Pacific fleet has answered the call of duty through two world wars, the Korean War, the Cold War and countless conflicts around the world, including Afghanistan, where Blake died Monday.

Pile remembered Blake as a "family man, father of two ... clearance diver, triathlete, hockey coach, great guy."

Fortin then declared that "the city is yours" and asked Victoria police Chief Jamie Graham to remove a barrier blocking the road and allow the troops to march into the city core.

Graham, who describes himself as a history buff, was thrilled to be part of the ceremony.