'We should be thankful': New exhibit at Calgary military museums highlights the first 100 years of the RCAF
April 1 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
In Calgary, the Air Force Museum of Alberta marked the occasion by opening a new exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RCAF.
Located in the Founders’ Gallery at Calgary’s Military Museums, the People of Canada’s Air Force: 100 Years exhibit honours the men and women in who wore the RCAF uniform over the last century.
Curator Alison Mercer says she wants people to know that while many were heroes, they were more often ordinary people who behaved extraordinarily in exceptional circumstances.
“The tenacity and the commitment and the skill of everyone that I've researched here over the years, over this past 100 years, it’s just incomparable,” Mercer said.
Honorary Col. Andrew Abbott of the 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, based in Cold Lake, Alta., said as the RCAF enters its second hundred years, it remains as important as it ever was in securing our country’s sovereignty.
“I think that the Air Force will stand the test of time. I think we will have an inspiring group of next-generation Canadians as part of the Air Force. And that could mean pilots, or people actually operating drones (that) are flying into space,” said Abbott.
“We should be thankful to them, they operate 24/7 taking care of the defence of Canada, (for example) The Search and Rescue aspect of actually making sure Canadians stay safe. You know, we take for granted, I think. Our Air Force is there for us all the time, and it's pretty special."
Following the exhibit opening at the military museum, The RCAF flag was raised in front of Calgary’s City Hall.
That was followed by the flypast of an RCAF aircraft known as The Gonzo. The Gonzo is a heavily modified De Havilland Dash 8 modified to meet Department of National Defence (DND) requirements.
A 100-year legacy
The Royal Canadian Air Force was born out of the RAF (Royal Air Force) in WWI when Canadian aviators flew alongside the British against the Germans.
It was comprised of a full-time permanent force, a part-time non-permanent force and a reserve of non-active personnel.
The RCAF first saw action 16 years later in an air battle against the Nazi Luftwaffe, in WWII.
“In times of war and peace, members of the RCAF have shown unwavering courage. The Second World War marked the first significant challenge for the RCAF, with over 200,000 Canadians joining the Air Force to fight against tyranny and fascism,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement commemorating the 100th anniversary.
“Since then, generation after generation of Canadians have served – from Afghanistan to the Arctic.
“As we continue to face threats to global stability, the RCAF is more important than ever.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.