A flag-raising ceremony and proclamation in recognition of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial will be held at the Leger Square, outside North Bay City Hall this Thursday morning.
Mayor Peter Chirico will be on hand to recognize members of the RCAF. Colonel Richard Jolette, 22 Wing/CFB North Bay Commander and Commander of the Canadian Air Defence Sector, and Master Warrant Officer Donald Smith, Acting 22 Wing Chief Warrant Officer along with members from 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay, veterans, and supporters of the RCAF will also be in attendance.
The event starts at 10 a.m.
As well, North Bay is taking part in the Royal Canadian Air Force illuminating landmarks in blue on April 1.
The North Bay City Hall will be illuminated starting at approximately 8:30 p.m. for a few hours.
See: Celebrate Air Force centennial by lighting your building blue
On April 1st, the RCAF will mark its first 100 years and its flag will proudly fly at the North Bay City Hall throughout the Easter long-weekend.
According to the DND, RCAF Station North Bay opened on September 1, 1951, as part of Canada’s new national air defence network, built in response to the Cold War threat from the Soviet Union.
In celebration of the Centennial and commemoration of the men and women who have, and continue to, served Canada at home and abroad, famous landmarks , city halls, businesses, embassies, and residences across the world will be illuminated in blue on April 1.
Currently over 300 landmarks in 20 countries are confirmed to be participating in the illumination campaign. In Canada, this includes the CN Tower , Montreal Tower, Calgary Tower, Vancouver Sails of Light , Esplanade Riel , and Niagara Falls. In the coming weeks, more landmarks and countries are expected to join the illumination campaign.
"It is an opportunity to highlight those in the RCAF who ensure Canada is strong domestically in such efforts as natural disasters, other emergencies and search and rescue; those who ensure North America is secure by conducting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission; and that Canada is engaged internationally in such overseas operations and peacekeeping to combat operations," says a news release.
"The flag-raising ceremony is also an opportunity to recognize that every member of the RCAF is a family who provides their strength and support."
