The Snowbirds perform one of their impressive maneuvers over the shoreline of Lake Nipissing as part of Armed Forces Day. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
Military officials were astounded by the large crowds and the enthusiasm as part of the celebrations of Armed Forces Day in North Bay Wednesday afternoon.
The day started with a military parade to the waterfront followed a number of speeches by dignitaries.
The highlight was the Pan Am Games torch relay which made a quick stop in front of the bandshell at North Bay’s Waterfront and then the relay started again as part of its route to Toronto.
The fun and excitement to celebrate Armed Forces Day included some impressive military static displays like a military Chinook helicopter and a recovery vehicle called “the Wrecker.”
The day was finished off by the Snowbirds who made their first appearance in Canada this season a memorable one for hundreds of North Bayites who watched the impressive 25 minute air show over the skies of the Gateway city.
The North Bay Pipes and Drums lead more than 150 military personnel along Memorial Drive to the Waterfront. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
Brigadier-General David Patterson was one of the distinguished guests at North Bay’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.
“The turnout here in North Bay for a community this size to show this level of support on a week day is an amazing thing to see,” stated General Patterson.
“It’s important for the military to see the local community is supportive, after all, the military are part of our community. They participate on hockey teams and volunteering and shop and work in the community as well, so to see that level of support is outstanding,” he added.
A young student gets help after getting an inside look at an armoured vehicle which was one of the many military static displays as part of Armed Forces Day. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
Newly appointed Wing Commander Col. Henrik Smith was also impressed from what he saw at his first Armed Forces Day in North Bay.
“This is absolutely amazing, the relationship we have here with the community is second to none,” he said.
“I have lived all over the United States and a pretty good part of Canada and I have never seen anything like this.”
The General and Colonel were also pleased to see the large amount of school children attending the Armed Forces festivities.
“To see all the kids who were very enthusiastic, to see all those displays and get a chance to touch and climb up on the armoured vehicle there and get a chance to sit in the drivers seat, it’s always good to see that,” stated Patterson.
Colonel Smith hopes the young people embrace their military message today.
“Kids are the future so having them understand we are not just something hidden away, we live in the community, probably our kids go to school with their kids and you have to understand we have a specialized job but it’s a job and maybe some of them will be interested in pursuing it,” he said.
