RCAF Commemorative Park opens

Hundreds of spectators witnessed the new Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Commemorative Park officially open this afternoon in the Village at Griesbach in NW Edmonton.  Members from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron were on parade with dozens of Air Cadets; musicians with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band performed during the ceremony.

Click page for more photos.

Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell and Major General Al Meinzinger, Deputy Commander of the RCAF, presided over the dedication.  A highlight was when they unveiled the RCAF commemorative monument.  Everybody looked upward to the grey sky as two CH-46 Griffon helicopters conducted a fly past at 600-feet above ground level.  The choppers were followed later in the afternoon with a flypast of two CF-18 fighter jets.

Three Air Force veterans were called forward by Master of Ceremonies J’Lyne Nye to unveil plaques dedicated to each of them as part of a City of Edmonton street naming to honour military veterans.  The three were Donald Laubman, Russell Bannock and Robert Morgan.  A reception was held afterward in the Kipnes Centre.  Event organizers wish to thank everybody who attended this very significant event today.  © 2015 Grant Cree photos.