Gatineau, Quebec – On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, took part this evening in the launch of the 2012 Vintage Wings of Canada flight season at the Gatineau Airport. The aviation enterprise is dedicated to promoting and preserving the history of Canadian aviation.
“Vintage Wings of Canada does important work in preserving and better enabling us to understand the role and history of Canadian aviation in the development of our country,” said Minister Blaney. “Our Government congratulates the organization’s members and volunteers on their activities and initiatives, which serve to inspire new generations to discover our aviation heritage.”
“Our Government is proud to be associated with Vintage Wings of Canada in promoting and celebrating the history of Canadian aviation,” added MP Hawn. “We encourage Canadians to discover the extraordinary stories of the women and men behind this rich legacy.”
Vintage Wings of Canada brings together aviators and aviation enthusiasts, who maintain a fleet and participate in flight activities and the promotion of Canada’s aviation heritage. The organization offers educational programs and guided tours (by reservation only) of its collection, exhibited in their hangar at the Gatineau Airport. Veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces are welcome at all times. To see Vintage Wings of Canada’s calendar of events, visit vintagewings.ca.
Veterans Affairs Canada maintains on its Web site archived videos that capture the personal experiences of women and men who have served Canada in times of conflict, including Canadian aviators.
Earlier this month, Minister Blaney and MP Hawn announced a $100,000 contribution toward the creation of a new Bomber Command Memorial to be unveiled this June in London’s Green Park in the United Kingdom. During the Second World War, while the Royal Air Force Fighter Command defended the United Kingdom against aerial attacks, approximately 50,000 Canadian service men and women were part of the Bomber Command, which attacked the enemy’s military strength by bombing key targets in an attempt to weaken its military and industrial capabilities.
To discover more stories of Canadian military pilots, visit the Heroes Remember section at veterans.gc.ca.