For 100 years the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and its members have served Canada and Canadians at home and abroad.
On Monday and Tuesday 1-2 April 2024 17 Wing Winnipeg will celebrate this historic milestone and invites the local community to join in and enjoy the celebrations.
On Monday evening five locations across Winnipeg will be illuminated in blue to mark the anniversary. The illumination is part of a national project to mark the centennial. The locations will be the Legislative Building, RBC Convention Centre, Alloway Hall at Manitoba Museum Esplanade Riel and the Winnipeg Sign at The Forks.
On Tuesday morning between 09:00-11:30 aircraft from both 435 Transport & Rescue Squadron and 402 City of Winnipeg Squadron will undertake flypasts over the city culminating with a jump by search and rescue technicians from 435 Squadron into Assiniboine Park between 11:00-11:30. The public is invited to watch the jumps into the park and visit with the SAR techs after the jumps are completed.
While the flypasts are taking place RCAF members from various 17 Wing units will visit coffee shop locations across the city to meet with members of the community to chat about the RCAF and what it means for the local community.
“Our goal is to celebrate the achievements of the RCAF throughout its first century as an independent service. As we commemorate 100 years of the RCAF, we honour the sacrifices and successes of our members who have served Canada with distinction, and we look to inspire the next generation. The RCAF will continue to play an important role in Canada’s future,’’ said Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff
“It’s marvelous to see so many people come together in celebrating the CAF Centennial. The RCAF has accomplished so many incredible things in the past century, all thanks to the amazing people who have contributed to it. This celebration belongs to Canadians across the world.’’ Said Colonel Margaret Jacula, Campaign Manager, RCAF 2024.