Travel Journal
Happy Birthday Canada!
July 16, 2008
Capt Jennifer Jones
The Snowbirds were thrilled to land in Ottawa for their much-awaited visit to the Nation's Capital for the Carp Air Show and annual Canada Day flypast over Parliament Hill.
Unfortunately, Saturday's Snowbirds performance at the Carp Air Show had to be cancelled and Sunday's performance cut short due to inclement weather conditions moving in at the last minute. Despite this however, thousands of spectators were able to take in some flying and static displays earlier in the day thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the many volunteers who made the air show possible.
Weather cleared up by July 1st and as a result, the Snowbirds were able to celebrate Canada Day as they flew the majestic Maple Split manoeuvre over Parliament Hill, carrying on their annual tradition. In addition, some Snowbirds team members and their families took advantage of sunny Canada Day weather to take part in the HBC Run for Canada; a 10 km run that took them around various historical city landmarks.
The team was also pleased to host many distinguished guests during their stay in Ottawa on various flights including Lieut.-Gen. Fred Sutherland, Snowbirds Honorary Colonel, Lieut.-Gen. Michel Gauthier, Commander of Canadian Forces Expeditionary Forces Command, Brig.-Gen. Kenneth Watkin, Canadian Forces Judge Advocate General, Sergeant Lance Hooper from CFB Petawawa, Master-Corporal Dwayne Orvis from 32 Combat Engineer Regiment, Toronto, as well as Snowbirds friends, alumni and members of the media.
To top it all off, the Snowbirds were given the tremendous honour of flying past the Chief of the Defence Staff's Change of Command parade on July 2nd as General Rick Hillier handed over command of the Canadian Forces to General Walter Natynczyk.
The Snowbirds would like to sincerely thank Ms. Wendy Kieran, the team's point of contact, for her tremendous support and dedication.
The Snowbirds fly the majestic Maple Split over Parliament Hill during the July 1st Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa.
Photo Credit: Master Corporal Rob Bottrill, Canadian Forces Combat Camera |
General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff, takes to the skies with the Snowbirds during the team's visit to Ottawa.
Photo Credit: Ken Lin |
Lieutenant General Michel Gauthier, Commander, CEFCOM, takes part in the Canada Day flypast over Parliament Hill during the Snowbirds' visit to Ottawa. Photo Credit: Cpl. Cerri Knap |
Some Snowbirds team members and their families took part in the HBC Run for Canada on July 1st, in Ottawa.
Photo Credit: Ken Lin |
