One hundred years ago, on April 1, 1924, Canada’s part-time paramilitary air force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, was abolished and became the Royal Canadian Air Force.
A century later, Canadians from across the country, including those in Calgary, came together to recognize the RCAF’s rich tradition, heritage and continued contribution to Canada and the world.
City Square will feature cadets from Calgary’s Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 8, RCAF veterans, Honorable Colonel Andrew Abbott of 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, dignitaries, and representatives from Calgary City Council, provincial and federal governments. The RCAF flag was raised on the city’s courtesy flag pole.
The event also included an overflight by Winnipeg-based RCAF CT-142 Dash-8 “Gonzo.”
“We’re just trying to celebrate the Air Force and show Calgary that Calgary had an Air Force and that Calgary had a very important part of the Air Force,” said Calgary RCAF100 Committee Chairman Ken Nixon. “We’re trying to let people know.” .
As part of the celebrations, many Calgary bridges, buildings and landmarks, including the Calgary Tower, were scheduled to turn RCAF blue in the evening. Enough to challenge for a Guinness Book of World Records.
President Nixon said the Municipal Plaza event will not be the only way the Air Force will be recognized and celebrated in Calgary throughout 2024.
Among these unique celebrations are plans to honor the RCAF’s participation in the Battle of Britain in September and display a 1932 de Havilland Tiger Moth trainer aircraft at the Calgary Stampede Parade; This includes plans to display it at Spruce Meadows during the national convention.
A complete list of RCAF Celebration events can be found at: rcaf2024arc.ca.
RCAF is an important part of Calgary’s history
President Nixon said that at a time when people tend to ignore history, the recognition of the RCAF is an important reminder for Calgary residents of the role the Air Force has played in Calgary’s growth and development.
“It’s really important to look back at those things and say, ‘Wow, Calgary wouldn’t be where it is today without these things.'” Sure, we have oil and everything else, but we… It played an important role both during and after the war,” Nixon said.
As an example of how the Air Force works, he continues to serve the training needs of members of the British Armed Forces, its hundreds of strong air cadet squadrons and an active community of veterans, particularly in military museums. He pointed out that operational capabilities exist within Calgary. It remains relevant today.
“I cannot stress enough how lucky we are here in Calgary. We have a dedicated board of directors and I have never seen so many people volunteer to be guides at our museum. No. If you go to our Cold War Air Museum, you’ll find lieutenant colonels, colonels, and generals, and they’re all willing to tell their stories and show you what’s going on,” President Nixon said. Ta.
“This is a great part of the experience of being in the military, but it’s also part of Canadian culture.”
Calgary is also home to a number of major defense industry companies that directly support RCAF operations, including Arkfield, which recently won an approximately $212 million contract to service the RCAF’s CF-18 fighter jets.
HCol. Abbott spoke at the ceremony, enumerating the proud history of RCAF personnel in Calgary and the role played by Calgary’s air base and training center throughout World War II and beyond.
These included the RCAF No. 2 Radio School (now SAIT) and the Pilot and Communications Training Center at Calgary Military Airport (now Mount Royal University).
He also spoke about the continued importance of the RCAF to Canadians and Calgarians.
“The global security environment has changed rapidly over the past five years. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has escalated tensions in the Red Sea and the Middle East, coupled with China’s push to retake Taiwan and North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, “We feel like our safety is decreasing,” Abbott said.
“Your Air Force, your RCAF, takes these threats seriously. We will continue to ensure we counter these threats to maintain the safety of all Canadians and the freedoms we enjoy.” intend to.”
City of Calgary declares April 1, 2024 as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, on behalf of the City of Calgary, proclaimed this event to the city, officially recognizing the day as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Speaking after the event, she said it is important for Calgary residents to recognize the deep roots that RCAF has in Calgary.
“I had a chance to shake hands with some of the veterans who are here and talk to some of the young cadets, and I appreciate the service they have provided and the opportunities they may have for the future. I just want to thank them for their positive service.” I think it’s very important for us to make a statement that recognizes their efforts,” she said.
“I think it’s more important to remember the people we sometimes only put in the spotlight once a year. Throughout the year, especially on days like this, it’s more important to remember them. That’s important. It’s the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, so it’s a really big day for Calgary and a really special day for our veterans here.”
She said it was more important than ever to recognize the role that RCAF members play in global security.
“The Air Force is absolutely critical for the future. I think it’s really important, perhaps now more than ever, that Canada protects other countries and is a good ally in defending democratic rights and freedoms.”
President Nixon said the City of Calgary’s proclamation is an important recognition of RCAF veterans.
“To be honest, I don’t think there’s a lot of emphasis on the military, especially in today’s society. I think our parliamentarians understand how important the military is to Canadian society and Canadians, and they keep cutting it down. “It doesn’t seem like it’s happening,” President Nixon said.
“We’re not part of the mover and shaker that we were when we were peacekeepers…and for me, it’s very important to come out here and celebrate and show people who we are. ”
