Snowbirds to help celebrate Armed Forces Day in the Region

22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay
News Release

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This is a special year for the Canadian Forces in North Bay as 2011 marks the Diamond Anniversary, or 60 years, of a military presence in the city. 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay will be celebrating this milestone during many events this year, including several hosted on the base as well as their annual fundraising concert at the Capitol Centre this coming November.

Armed Forces Day allows the community to celebrate and honour the cultural diversity and unique personality of our local military personnel, a caring and dedicated group of individuals who extol the virtues of this community both here and abroad. June 1st will provide North Bay and surrounding area an opportunity to recognize these brave men and women for the role they play in maintaining our safety and freedom, and reinforcing our country’s reputation for leadership, compassion, and the willingness to preserve what is right. This is our way of thanking all of the Armed Forces men and women for all the work they do.

“This event will give all citizens in the area an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the extraordinary relationship the military has maintained with the City of North Bay for six decades” said Honorary Colonel (HCol) John Cutsey.

In Canada, “Canadian Forces Day” is the first Sunday in June and is a celebration of Canada’s armed services, their heritage and their personnel.

We are happy to announce that “Armed Forces Day” activities will include a forty-five minute air show performance by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team, 431 Squadron, and the aerial acrobatics of ‘Hawk One’, a refurbished classic RCAF F-86 Sabre in the colours of the legendary Golden Hawks aerobatic team, ground displays of army vehicles and musical entertainment by the 22 Wing Concert Band.

Members of 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, both of North Bay’s military recruiting centres, Area Support Unit Northern Ontario, the Algonquin Regiment and 33 Service Battalion will be on location to interact with the local community they are sworn to protect and to share some of their experiences in uniform.

“Armed Forces Day” is an opportunity for all of us to connect with our military personnel. I always say that our military presence in North Bay is not a distinct community, separate from our community. They are our next door neighbours, hockey and soccer coaches, fellow parents at our children’s schools and volunteers in charity organizations around the area” said HCol Paul Cook.

This is a call to all citizens to join us Wednesday, June 1st, 2011 at the North Bay Waterfront to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Students will be arriving at 11a.m. At 11:45 a.m. the representatives from the community will be acknowledging our troops and at 12:15 the Air Show begins.

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