Close to 2,000 students endured the chilly conditions on the North Bay waterfront for what’s called the biggest Armed Forces Day Celebration in the country.
More than 100 military personnel were led to the waterfront bandshell by North Bay’s Legion Branch 23 Pipes and Drums.
Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was a special guest at the event.
During a speech she recognized the military contributions and the rich military history of North Bay.
“Let us also acknowledge the importance of North Bay, from the founding of the air force station here in 1951, through the construction and maintenance of NORAD’s extraordinary underground complex and to the work that 22 Wing does today in helping to protect North America’s skies,” Dowdeswell said.
The Lieutenant Governor also had a message for the students.
“You represent the future of our country and perhaps some of you will contemplate a career in the Canadian Armed Forces,” she said.
“But wherever your path leads, may you always appreciate the sacrifice and valour of your fellow citizens in uniform.”
Widdifield student Dan Landry supported the Lieutenant Governor’s speech as he is a Master Corporal in the 204 Army Cadet Corps.
“Like myself, I’ve discovered that I would like to serve our country and I hope others will discover the same thing,” Landry told the crowd.
The SkyHawks aerobatic demonstration team put on a portion of their show which was delayed due to the high winds and rain that hit the area late this morning and early afternoon.
A CF-18 also did a fly by as part of the celebration of Canada’s Military.
