CAS-NR - October 14, 2005
15 WING, MOOSE JAW, SASK. Canadian Forces Snowbirds will reunite in Moose Jaw, Sask., to share camaraderie, their love of aviation and memories of realizing a childhood dream as they celebrate the 35th anniversary weekend October 13 to 16.
"The Air Force is proud of the Snowbirds' history of excellence and of their important role as ambassadors for the Canadian Forces and Canada," said Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff. "The 35th anniversary is a tribute to the legacy of all Snowbirds who have represented the men and women in uniform so honourably."
For the 450 Snowbirds returning to Moose Jaw for the reunion, memories of their acceptance on the team, flying in the red and white CT-114 Tutor over the beautiful Prairie landscape, and performing in airshows across North America will be relived and celebrated. A highlight of the anniversary weekend is the year-end show Friday, October 14 at 11 a.m.
"It is wonderful to return to Moose Jaw every five years and relive a time when things were really exciting," said Major-General (retired) Glen Younghusband, the first Snowbird Lead, who has been to every reunion. "The Snowbirds are a wonderful Canadian institution; the chance to come back and spend time with them (the Snowbirds) is fantastic."
"We are tremendously proud of the legacy of excellence that we have inherited," said Major Ian McLean, team lead and commanding officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "The 35th anniversary weekend is a wonderful opportunity for past and present Snowbirds to reunite in our hometown of Moose Jaw and celebrate the team's tradition of professionalism, dedication and teamwork."
During their 35th anniversary season, the Snowbirds performed in 51 shows in 30 different locations across North America. The Snowbirds performed their 2,000 th show September 17 in Reno, Nevada, a highlight of the 2005 season. In the past 35 years, the Snowbirds have performed in front of more than 117 million spectators across North America. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds' mission is to demonstrate the professionalism, dedication and teamwork of the Canadian Forces and to act as a platform for recruiting.
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Note to editors/news directors : For high-resolution imagery or background information, please visit the Snowbirds' website at http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca or contact Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith at (306) 694-2437.Media wishing to attend the Snowbirds year end show should meet Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith at the entrance to the O.B. Philp Complex, 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, Friday, October 14 at 10:30 a.m.
