The centennial anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force was marked with celebration — and a little snow — in Winnipeg Tuesday.
Five landmarks, including the Manitoba Legislative Building and the Winnipeg sign at The Forks, were lit up in blue Monday night as part of a nationwide campaign to kick off festivities.
While cloudy weather and inclement conditions cancelled a scheduled parachute presentation from search and rescue technicians at Assiniboine Park, those looking to the skies Tuesday morning might have seen two RCAF aircraft on ceremonial flypasts across the city. Others grabbing a coffee may have come across members from 17 Wing, who were deployed to around a dozen cafés around the city to meet with community members.
“We were able to reach out and just have some casual conversations, and just reinforce the message that Winnipeg is host to 17 Wing … that we’re present in the community,” RCAF Lt.-Col Kevin Rubner said.
“We have a great relationship with the local community here in the West End, but this is your air force, this is Winnipeg’s air force. And we just like to get back out and recognize we’re here, and we’re happy to engage with the public.”
Rubner said the RCAF was taking the celebratory year to focus on the future of the air force, and reminding citizens that while members are often involved in international affairs, much of what they do is based in their local community.
“For the RCAF itself, for me, the biggest thing that comes to mind is the progress and achievements that we’ve had over those 100 years,” he said. “We’ve learned a lot from our history.”
Other activities are scheduled throughout 2024. The annual RCAF Run will take place on May 31, and a gala night at the Royal Aviation Museum is set for October.
The RCAF was formed on April 1, 1924, after receiving royal designation from King George V.
