The British Columbia Aviation Museum is hosting a black-tie gala to mark the 100th anniversary since the Royal Canadian Air Forces(RCAF) was formed on April 1, 1924.
At the North Saanich museum more than 220 attendees, including several iconic former members of the RCAF will attend.
The guest of honour will be Lt.-Gen. Eric Kenny the commander of the RCAF alongside Gen. Ray Henault the former chair of the North Atlantic Council and former chief of defence staff.
The recently acquired CF-104 Starfighter will be the backdrop to the gala dinner, with music and entertainment provided by a quintet from the Nadan Band and the 443 (Maritime Helicopter) Squadron’s very own pipes and drums troupe.
Former chief of defence staff Gen. Tom Lawson will also be a guest speaker at the event.
A fighter pilot in the Second World War and member of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame Maj.-Gen. Ken Lett will be at the celebration. Lett was born only months before the birth of the RCAF.
Col. George Miller also has his name in the hall of fame and will be in attendance like Lett.
Lt.-Col. Dan Dempsey will also be at the gala. He and Miller were distinguished leads of aerial demonstration teams including Golden Centenaries and the Snowbirds.
Many former and current serving members will also be in attendance.
The museum was chosen to host the gala due to the historical backdrop of the military-civilian aviation displays and in recognition of the fact that the origins of the Victoria International Airport are tied to the Second World War and the operational missions conducted from RCAF station in Pat Bay.
The RCAF’s presence in North Saanich continues today with the 443 Squadron on the Southwest corner of the airfield.
Tickets were snatched up quickly and the event has sold out.
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