CFB Shilo personnel show off a M777 Howitzer at the Canadian Armed Forces Day held at the Commonwealth Air Training Museum in Brandon on June 2. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
Canadian Armed Forces Day was celebrated with a CFB Shilo display at the Air Training Museum in Brandon on June 2 and a country wide message from Minister of National Defence Bill Blair.
Canadian Armed Forces members, families, and the public were invited to participate in the national day of recognition through activities for the third year held annually at the museum on the first Sunday in June.
Stephen Haytor, executive director of the Commonwealth Air Training Museum, said the CAF Appreciation Day is a wonderful way to launch the museum’s season with more than 260 visitors to the annual affair last year,
“It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate all branches of the Military … We’re just pleased that we can provide an event that kicks off our season … now we’re raring to go for the summer,” Haytor said.
CFB Shilo personnel were on hand to explain the M777 C1 Howitzer, which was on display and shoots 100-110 pounds roughly 20-30 kilometres without precision guidance.
Along with the Army equipment on display, the Royal Canadian Air Force participated with planes such as a Dash 8 and Harvard 2 and the 26th Field Regiment and Air Cadets also participated.
National Minister of Defence Bill Blair said that no matter the task, CAF members serve with skill, dedication, and honour, citing various Operations, including UNIFER, REASSURANCE, HORIZON and LENTUS.
“We remain committed to supporting them and their loved ones so that they can continue doing this critical work. “
“Today, we celebrate members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who work tirelessly to defend the values of peace, freedom, and democracy. As always, our military personnel show unwavering strength, courage, and dedication, both at home and abroad,” Blair said in a media statement.
“To our Canadian Armed Forces personnel and to your loved ones: We will continue to support you as you represent our country on sea, on land, and in the air with great pride. You have my deepest thanks for your service, your sacrifices, and your strength so that we can live in a safer and more peaceful world,” Blair said.
Air Cadets from 191 Squadron, Joseph Petrisor, Braydon Smith and Kieren Watt inspect posters at the Canadian Armed Forces Day hosted by the Commonwealth Air Training Museum in Brandon on June 2. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)
Commonwealth Air Training Museum Volunteer David Jenkins, on June 2 Canadian Armed Forces day, explains a chalkboard illustration drawn by school children during the Second World War, which hangs in the museum.
CFB Shilo personnel show how to load an M777 Howitzer at the Canadian Armed Forces Day on June 2 held at the Commonwealth Air Training Museum. (Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)