Captain Leah Pierce, Public Affairs Officer for 22 Wing was on hand Monday morning at an announcement at City Hall outlining the itinerary for this year's Armed Forces Day, June 16-17.
"This is the seventh annual Armed Forces Day in this format," said Pierce, "it is a big day for us and there is a lot of work that we do to set up, to interact. What Col. [Henrik] Smith wanted to do was provide our troops with an opportunity to take their families down and relax during the day. The Saturday provides us with that opportunity.
"On Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., the SkyHawks will do their big flag drop with both the Canadian and American flags. Of course, we call it Armed Forces Day to recognize the United States Air Force personnel that are here for the NORAD mission. Then we'll go into the Snowbirds big drop and at twilight, the CF-18 Demo Team will have their afterburners glowing as the sun sets. It's spectacular."
Mayor Al McDonald and Honorary Colonel George Burton were also on hand to unveil the festivities. Armed Forces Day will be held Friday, June 16, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Canadore College Aviation Campus.
Said McDonald, "We pay homage to the men and women who have and still are proudly serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. In June, we will take the time to honour their service, their skills, their courage and above all, their sacrifice."
School-aged children will attend and the general public is welcome to listen to the 22 Wing Band and enjoy aerial demonstrations by the Snowbirds, the CF-18 Demo Team and the SkyHawks (the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team). Static displays will be erected to meet and greet the members of the aerial demonstration teams, with autographs and photos available.
Friday evening, there will be an opportunity for citizens to get an up-close look at the specialized military aircraft. A $20 family pass for this event, hosted by the Honorary Colonels, will benefit the North Bay Military Family Resource Centre.
Saturday, June 17, the general public is invited to The Lead Up to Canada 150 event that will take place at the waterfront and downtown, featuring the second edition of the Annual Children's Festival at the Capitol Centre.
The remainder of the Saturday night will follow the program described by Capt. Pierce above, and will include concerts by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 Pipes and Drums Band and what the City is calling "two well-known headliner musical acts." McDonald could not elaborate on the identities of the performers until contracts were finalized.
"The events have been scheduled to be dynamic and fully engaging for families and children of all ages," said the Mayor. "This is our chance to really stop the busy-ness around us, take in the sights, sounds and privileges that, I daresay, we take for granted as Canadians, and to honour the people that make our country the best on earth."
