70th Anniversary Battle of Britain Ceremony

"Everywhere I have travelled, across Canada and around the world, I have witnessed your generosity, your courage and your willingness to contribute to the well being of people in places where it is essential to re-establish and maintain peace, to provide emergency assistance or to take part in reconstruction efforts. I will have a lasting memory of you and hold the greatest respect for the ideal of justice, peace and freedom that you carry like a torch, sometimes even risking your very lives, as today’s ceremony reminds us."

The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada took part in the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

"I unhesitatingly applaud the spirit of reconciliation you strove to bring to this ceremony by inviting German and Italian veterans, former enemies brought together today so that the solidarity between us will forever continue to reign. On this solemn occasion, I am also proud to wear the military uniform of the Air Force, to honour its members and to highlight their exceptional work here at home and around the world."

The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief laid a wreath of flowers on behalf of all Canadians.

Fly-pasts by Vintage Wings of Canada and Spitfires and Hurricanes, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s Avro Lancaster and by Canadian Forces aircraft such as the CF-18 Hornet fighter jet, CC-130 Hercules, and CC-177 Globemaster III were executed.

MCpl Coates was among the participants. The Battle of Britain, the first major campaign to be contested entirely in the air, took place in the skies over south eastern Britain and the English Channel from July to October 1940.

Her Excellency also inspected the Air Cadets.

The Battle of Britain parade honours and commemorates the members of the Air Force who fought and died during the battle, as well as recognizes all the men and women who continue to serve in the Air Force today.

The Commander-in-Chief continued the inspection with Air Force active members, including women.

It was the first time that Her Excellency wore the Air Force uniform.

The Governor General took the time to speak with many of the veterans.

Her Excellency inspected the guard, starting with the veterans.

The event took place under a beautiful sun. Hundreds of people, including special guests and members of the public, attended the ceremony.