Canadian Military Tribute

The Canadian Military participated in many ways during WWII, much than people today realize. Canadian forces landed on Juno beach on D-day, they played a large part in the Battle of the Atlantic and by the end of the war, Canada had the 4th largest allied air force in the world. The Canadian military has fought alongside the United States in most major conflicts since then, including the Korean War, the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, and most recently the war in Afghanistan. Join us as we pay honor to our neighbors to the north in this our annual Canadian Military Tribute program.

11AM: Speaking Program

Military Alliances Strength and Weaknesses – How and Why Does it Matter?

This presentation will cover 30 plus years of Canadian military experiences.  Our special guest speaker has commanded at the unit and Division level, having observed strengths and weaknesses working with multiple allies/the UN. 

Presenter:  Brigadier-General Mario Leblanc, RCAF ret.

12PM: Concert featuring the Palm Springs Air Museum Pipe and Drum Band

1PM: Speaking Program

“‘Vedettes and Arrows and Hornets, Oh My!’ Five Iconic Aircraft that Made the RCAF…in Bill’s Opinion.”

An air force is never more than the sum of the men and women that serve in it, but for most people, the visible symbols of such an organization are its aircraft, be they good or bad.  And the hundreds of aircraft that the RCAF has, is, and will operate offer a unique opportunity to trace the history and heritage of Canada’s air force.  Using five iconic aircraft, historian and former RCAF officer Bill March will trace the history, tongue in cheek, of the RCAF from its humble beginnings in 1924 to its official Centenary in 2024.

Presenter: Major Bill March, RCAF ret.