Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Tuesday that the government designated May 4, 2010 as Canadian Navy Centennial Day to mark the Royal Canadian Navy's 100th anniversary of service.

The announcement was made during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber on Parliament Hill during which a ship's bell was presented to the people of Canada by the navy to show their continued commitment to serve.

May 4, 1910 is the date that Royal Assent was given to the Naval Service Act, which authorized the creation of a navy for Canada.

"The founding of Canada's navy represents a proud milestone in our history," said Harper, noting that over the past 100 years Canadian sailors have developed a reputation for bravery, skill and professionalism from combat in both world wars to current actions such as delivering aid to Haiti and combating piracy and terrorism in the Arabian Sea.

Harper promised that the government will continue with its efforts to re-equip the navy, providing them with the new ships and upgrades needed to get the job done.

Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, chief of the Maritime Staff, said the navy was honored by the proclamation, calling on Canadians to join the navy in recognizing this milestone in Canadian history.

Several official naval centennial events were held across the country including the unveiling of a set of two commemorative stamps.

However, the celebration was described by Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada's top military commander, as "a bittersweet day" following the death of a member of the Fleet Diving Unit of the Canadian Atlantic Fleet in Afghanistan on Monday.

Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake, 37, father of two, was killed by an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted patrol operation near the southern Afghan town of Kandahar, becoming the first Canadian navy personnel as well as the 143rd Canadian serviceman to be killed in Afghanistan since Canada's combat mission began there in 2002.

"It's a day of joy and thanks for the great service of all these sailors but also recognizing the sacrifices of the century and the sacrifice yesterday of Petty Officer Blake on the other side of the world," Natynczyk said.