North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico asked the crowd to say Thank you to the armed forces in a loud enthusiastic cheer that echoed down the North Bay waterfront.
Under hot, sunny skies the Mayor was one of several speakers at the bandshell at the North Bay waterfront to introduce the 12th annual Armed Forces Day event in North Bay Wednesday morning.
Chirico, named an honourary colonel in 2020, took on the role to help connect the community to the military. He believes this day as a whole does that.
"This is exactly what it is, it is to connect that community and tell them what they do here and how they do it every single day," said North Bay's mayor.
The festivities began at 10:30 a.m. near Shabogesic Beach and included demonstrations by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the CF-18 Demonstration team. The Skyhawks Parachute Team did not perform due to the wind conditions in North Bay.
Colonel Richard Jolette, 22 Wing Commander, was thrilled to see the hundreds of students from various school boards who managed to get through the heat and show their support for the fun-filled event.
"It is great to be able to engage with the community to show our thanks," said Col. Jolette.
"We know that they are thanking us but we can show our thanks for the support that they provide to us all year round.
"We have a lot to offer whether it is the static displays, army trucks, and the Griffon helicopter that landed along with the aerial displays."
For Colonel Jolette, this event is extra special and not just because it is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Airforce.
"As a North Bay native I am super proud to be able to be part of this as the Wing Commander, and it is my last one as I am leaving this summer so it is my last opportunity to say thank you to the community," he said.
See related: North Bay gets to celebrate Armed Forces Day
North Bay country star Cory Marks was able to perform prior to the aerial demonstration as he played the song "Snowbirds" to the enthusiastic waterfront crowd.
Marks, a pilot himself, has always been inspired by the Snowbirds and he has always loved airshows.
"Thanks to the city for bringing such a great airshow over the years," said Marks.
"I was always surrounded by aviation with Snowbirds being one of them. That dream of being a pilot and my obsession with the snowbirds and the force's aircraft started at a very young age.
"It is really a dedication to the team and all the men and women in service in the Canadian Armed Forces who are keeping up safe here and abroad."
For 94-year-old Dennis Moore, Armed Forces Day hits very close to home.
The decorated Korean War Veteran volunteered and went into the Canadian Infantry Special Forces.
"I was in Wasaga Beach with my brother and a friend and we were running out of money," he recalls.
"It was an awful cold winter. I was a rifleman. And war is war," noted Moore who had a front-row seat for the proceedings.
Moore believes events like this are special.
"We are a bunch of good people, and our military is second to none," explained Moore.
"I like the way civilians honour them on this day, especially the children," he continued.
"I think they are starting to understand it now because of the schools. I used to go out and speak to children and I loved every minute of it."
