By Michael J. Martin, EAA 1047599, Toronto, Ontario
This year, 2024, is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). April 1, 2024, was the official anniversary date, but the celebrations will continue all year long with a variety of ways for the public to share in the celebrations.
RCAF 2024 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honour, celebrate, and inspire Canadians to take ownership of their air force. April 1, 2024, marks 100 years of service for the RCAF as an independent military element. The centennial is a unique opportunity to celebrate this milestone with all Canadians. In 2024, our nation’s air force will be showcased in a past, present, and future context, highlighting contributions to national safety and security, international peace, and global stability.
Lieutenant-General E.J. Kenny, commander of the RCAF, said, “At the heart of everything we do are the people who define the RCAF as an incredible institution. Our people enable air and space power every single day: in domestic operations such as search and rescue, responding to natural disasters, and protecting the skies above us. Your air force is always there when called upon. Our people are doing good deeds around the world every day in overseas operations, contributing to global security and stability.
“As we proudly celebrate 100 years of aviation excellence in 2024, we invite you to join us in commemorating our history, recognizing our people for their achievements, and looking forward to the exciting future of your air force.”
The Royal Canadian Air Force will be prominently featured at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, as part of its centennial celebrations. The RCAF’s Snowbirds, the renowned aerobatic team, will perform from July 26-28. This marks a significant return since the Snowbirds were the first military team to perform at Oshkosh in the 1970s.
In addition to the Snowbirds, three World War II-era Canadian fighter aircraft — a P-51 Mustang, a Spitfire, and a Hurricane — will be showcased both on display and in flight. These aircraft highlight the RCAF’s rich heritage and contributions during the war.
The event will also feature the rare sight of two American B-29 heavy bombers flying together, further enriching the historical aviation theme of AirVenture 2024.
For more details on the RCAF’s participation and other attractions at EAA AirVenture 2024, you can visit the official EAA website at https://www.eaa.org/airventure.
There will be many events for the public to enjoy. Most notably there will be many air shows and displays to honour those brave women and men who engaged and dedicated their lives during the RCAF’s illustrious history. Here are some highlights of the celebrations:
1. Special Events and Exhibitions:
- A Cold War exhibition launched on April 24, 2024, at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (RCAF2024ARC)
- The military museums of Alberta hosted several events, including a flag-raising ceremony and flypast on April 1, and the opening of the Founders Gallery on the same day (RCAF2024ARC).
- The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada will feature a STEM exhibit from July 1 to September 30, 2024 (RCAF2024ARC).
- Canadian Aviation Museum will be hosting four bands for a tribute concert on May 26, 2024. The bands include the Silver Ambassadors, Music Express, the Windsor Regiment Band, and the Sun Parlour Pipes and Drums.
2. Air Shows and Flypasts:
- Historic aircraft from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, such as the Avro Lancaster and B-25 Mitchell bombers, will participate in various air shows across the country (Skies Mag).
- June 22-23 – Bagotville International Air Show — Dakota
- June 29-30 – Quinte International Air Show — Lancaster, B-25 Mitchell, Dakota, Canso, and Firefly
- July 1 – Canada Day Mass Flypast over Ottawa — Lancaster, B-25 Mitchell, & Dakota
- July 16-18 – Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada visit (not an air show) — Lancaster
- July 20-21 – Cold Lake Air Show — Lancaster
- August 3-4 – Manitoba Air Show — Lancaster
- August 9-11 – Abbotsford International Air Show — PBY Canso (based in Victoria)
- August 24-25 – Air Show Atlantic – PBY Canso, Dakota, and Avenger
- A special Canada Day mass flypast over Ottawa will include these iconic aircraft (Skies Mag).
- Special flying day tributes are hosted across the country
- 2024 Quinte International Air Show, June 29 and 30 at CFB Trenton
3. Commemorative Events:
- The RCAF Centennial Gala will take place on July 5, 2024, in Gagetown (RCAF2024ARC).
- A re-dedication ceremony for Group Captain Cole Memorial and a Battle of Britain Ceremony will be held by the Canadian Aviation Historical Society in September and October (RCAF2024ARC).
- RCAF Ball / Bal de l’ARC 2024, for the celebration in Kingston, hosted by 1 Wing Kingston on May 24, 2024.
- Cold Lake is gearing up for a series of events to celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary centennial featuring an open house, a traditional parade, and a fun run. The festivities kick off with an Open House at the Medley Terminal on the military base on May 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4. Community and Educational Initiatives:
- The RCAF Foundation is organizing events such as sports games, activities at Union Station, and digital content at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (RCAF Foundation).
- Various educational events, including panel discussions and film screenings about the RCAF, will be hosted at the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Library in June (RCAF2024ARC).
5. Memorials and Dedications:
- A monument unveiling and museum re-opening at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden took place on April 2, 2024, and featured key military figures.(ca).
- Currently, more than 300 landmarks in 20 countries are confirmed to be participating in the illumination campaign. In Canada, this includes the CN Tower, Montréal Tower, Calgary Tower, Vancouver Sails of Light, Esplanade Riel, and Niagara Falls.
These events and more aim to celebrate the RCAF’s century of service, honour its heritage, and to look forward to the future of Canadian aviation. For more detailed information and updates on specific events, you can visit the official RCAF Centennial websites and related resources (RCAF2024ARC) (RCAF Foundation) (Canada.ca) (Veterans Affairs Canada) (Skies Mag).