It was 100 years ago to the day, on April 1, 1924, that Canada’s part time non-permanent militia air force the Canadian Air Force ceased to be, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force.

A century later, Canadians across the nation—including those in Calgary—gathered to recognize the rich tradition, heritage, and ongoing contributions to Canada and the world from the RCAF.

At Municipal Plaza, cadets from Calgary’s eight Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadrons, along with RCAF veterans, Honorary Colonel Andrew Abbott of 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, dignitaries, and representatives of Calgary city council, the provincial government, and the federal government gathered to raise the RCAF flag on the city’s courtesy flag pole.

The event was also given a flyover by a RCAF CT-142 Dash-8 ‘Gonzo’, based out of Winnipeg.

“We’re just trying to celebrate the Air Force, and let people in Calgary know that we had an Air Force in Calgary, a very integral part of the Air Force, in Calgary,” said Kenn Nixon, Chair of the Calgary RCAF100 committee.

As part of the celebrations, a number of Calgary bridges, buildings, and landmarks including the Calgary Tower, were set to be turned RCAF blue during the evening. Enough so to make an attempt on a Guinness Book of World Records achievement.

Nixon said that the Municipal Plaza event wasn’t the only way that the Air Force would be recognized and celebrated throughout 2024 in Calgary.

Among those unique celebrations include plans to display a 1932 de Havilland Tiger Moth trainer aircraft at the Calgary Stampede Parade and displays at Spruce Meadows during the National Tournament, along with honouring RCAF participating in the Battle of Britain in September.

A full list of RCAF celebration events can be found at rcaf2024arc.ca.

RCAF an important part of Calgary’s history

Nixon said that in an age when people tend to dismiss history, the recognition of the RCAF was an important reminder to Calgarians about the role the Air Force played in growing and developing the city.

“It’s really important that we look back at those things and say, ‘Hey, Calgary isn’t what it is today without those things.’ Yes, it’s got oil and it’s got all sorts of other things, but we played a significant role during the war and after the war,” Nixon said.

He pointed to the continuing operational capacity that exists within Calgary to service the training needs of British Armed Forces members, the hundreds strong Air Cadet squadrons, and the active community of veterans—especially at the Military Museums—as an example of how the Air Force remains relevant today.

“I can’t underscore how lucky we are here in Calgary, because we have an enthusiastic board of directors, and I’ve never seen so many people that volunteer to be guides in our museum. If you go to our Air Cold War Museum, we’ve got Lieutenant Colonels, we’ve got Colonels, and we’ve got a General there who are all willing to tell their story and show what’s going on,” Nixon said.

“It’s a wonderful part of the experience of having been in the military, but it’s also a part of Canadian culture.”

Calgary has also been home to a number of major defence industry firms that directly support RCAF operations, including Arcfield which recently secured a nearly $212 million contract to service the RCAF’s CF-18 fighter aircraft.

HCol. Abbott, speaking at the ceremony, listed off the proud history of members of the RCAF in Calgary and the role that Calgary air bases and training centres played throughout the Second World War and beyond.

Among those, were the pilot and communications training centres at RCAF No. 2 Wireless School at now SAIT and Calgary Military Airport at now Mount Royal University.

He also spoke about the ongoing importance of the RCAF for Canadians, and to Calgarians.

“The global security environment has rapidly changed in the last five years. The Russian invasion of the Ukraine has increased tension in the Red Sea and Middle East combined with Chinese forays to reclaim Taiwan and nuclear weapons pursued by North Korea and around the world feels less safe,” Abbott said.

“Your Air Force, your RCAF takes these threats seriously. We’ll continue to ensure we are countering these threats to maintain the safety of all Canadians, and the freedom we enjoy.”

City of Calgary proclaims April 1, 2024 the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force

Mayor Jyoti Gondek, representing the City of Calgary, provided the city’s proclamation for the event, officially recognizing the day as the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Speaking after the event, she said that it was important for Calgarians to recognize the deep roots that the RCAF has in the city.

“I had an opportunity to shake hands with a few of the veterans who are here and speak with some of the young cadets, and I just appreciate the service that they have provided and the positive service they may give into the future. I think it’s very important for us to have a proclamation that recognizes their efforts,” she said.

“I think it’s more important to remember folks that we sometimes only give a spotlight to once a year. It’s important to remember them throughout the year, especially on a day like this: the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, a really big day for Calgary, and just an exceptional day for veterans who are here.”

She said that now more than ever, it was important to recognize the role that RCAF members play in global security.

“The Air Force is absolutely relevant going into the future. I think it’s really important, perhaps now more than ever, for Canada to be a good ally in the service of protecting other nations, and for democratic rights and freedoms.”

Nixon said that the proclamation by the City of Calgary was an important one to recognize RCAF veterans.

“Quite honestly, I think it especially in today’s society, the military is not held in high regard. Our parliamentarians don’t seem to understand how important the military is to Canadian society, and the Canadian people, cutting it back and cutting it back,” Nixon said.

“We’re not part of the the movers and shakers of what we used to be when we were peacekeepers… and to me, coming out here and celebrating, showing people what we’re about, is very important.”