Snowbirds In Formation

On July 4th and 5th of this year an air show celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight took place at 8 Wing / CFB Trenton in Ontario. It also marked the 85th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Among the sights in the sky enjoyed by the thousands of people in attendance over the two day event were the CF-18 Hornet, Lancaster Bomber, Search & Rescue Demonstrations, C-17 Globemaster, SkyHawks Parachute Team and the always popular Canadian Forces Snowbirds Aerobatic Demonstration Team.

The very first time I witnessed the team was also in Trenton in 1972 but sadly two of the planes collided in mid-air resulting in the crash of one plane and the death of one of the pilots. This was the first time the Snowbirds suffered a loss like this but sadly it wasn’t the last.

In this photo the eight Snowbird Tutor Jets complete a loop in tight formation. I have seen this team perform since I was a boy and they always provide a thrill.

Fallen Soldiers Return

This is a sight that has become far too familiar in recent months.

Canadian soldiers who have been killed in action are returned to Canada and arrive in at 8-Wing CFB Trenton in Ontario. A repatriation ceremony is held with family members, fellow soldiers and dignitaries including the Governor General of Canada in attendance.

The cortege of hearses, limousines and numerous police and military police vehicles make the 90 minute drive along the Highway of Heroes (401) to Toronto. Along the entire route, thousands of every day average Canadians, firefighters, police and other emergency and military personnel line the route and stand on bridge overpasses waving Canadian flags and saluting to show their respect and appreciation.

In this particular photo I was located in Trenton at the on-ramp to Highway 401 (Highway of Heroes) to capture the moment. Here you can see two of the three hearses in this case as local firefighters salute and other local citizens brave the cold to pay their respects.

Remembrance Day Red

On the 11th Day of the 11th Month at the 11th hour I was proud to be in attendance at our local Remembrance Day Service to honour those who gave their lives to defend their country and the freedoms we all enjoy.

It was a cool morning but luckily the rain held off as hundreds of people gathered at the local cenotaph. My city is home to a Canadian Air Force Base and this always means a strong attendance by the local servicemen and women.

With Canadian lives still being lost and at risk in Afghanistan, the service took on extra meaning.

This photo shows a veteran standing next to and surrounded by active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I used selective colour to turn a black and white photo into something a bit different as the colour red is always prominent on this day.