A small group of veterans along with current serving military members gathered at the Memorial Park Cenotaph on Ferguson & First Avenue West Streets to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
The ceremony was broadcasted live on YourTV and through the 22 Wing Ayr Mess Facebook page.
“We gathered today through virtual technology and live broadcasting to mark the 80th anniversary of the first major campaign fought entirely by air forces – the Battle of Britain," stated Colonel Mark Lachapelle, 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander in a release.
"Although we could not gather in large numbers to pay homage to the sacrifices made, it is still important that we commemorate this battle 80 years later to honour the thousands of men and women of the air defences – especially the 3 000 fighter pilots, including 104 Canadians and 11 Americans."
The historic Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought over southern England in the summer and autumn of 1940.
“This year marks the 68th anniversary that members of the United States Air Force have served at Canadian Forces Base North Bay and as active members of the North Bay community we welcome the opportunity to join together to celebrate, to remember and to reflect on the sacrifices made by airmen and women while in service to their country,” stated Lieutenant-Colonel Matthew Slusher, Detachment 2, First Air Force Commander, United States Air Force.
