Today, November 28, 2018, is the annual Air Force Day on Parliament Hill. Each year since 2007, Parliamentarians have shown their appreciation for the achievements and service of Royal Canadian Air Force personnel through this noteworthy day.

To mark the occasion, Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan and Veterans Affairs Minister and Associate Minister of National Defence Seamus O’Regan issued the following statement:

“Today marks the 12th annual Air Force Day on Parliament Hill, where Members of Parliament and Senators demonstrate our appreciation to the aviators of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for their outstanding service and dedication to Canada.

“This year we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of NORAD—the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

“Canada also marked the 100th anniversary of the Armistice marking the end of the First World War earlier this month. Canadian airmen and ground crew, serving with the Royal Flying Corps, Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, were part of those first days of military aviation history. In addition, we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Italian campaign and the 65th anniversary of the end of the Korean War honouring the role our Royal Canadian Air Force played in these campaigns. These proud legacies are alive and well in today’s RCAF members.

“In the skies over Canada, the RCAF protects our airspace, maintains a presence over the North, and conducts surveillance activity along our coastlines. Our Air Force serves Canadians through its ability to provide aerial search and rescue capabilities, working with other agencies to help those in distress. Those same aviators come to the aid of Canadians during times of need, whether it is forest fires, floods, hurricanes or other national disasters.

“Internationally, the RCAF continues to demonstrate its ability to deploy in remote and often austere environments. Under Operation Presence, the women of our Air Task Force are supporting the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) by providing critical support to the mission including medical evacuations. In Romania, the members of our CF-18 Air Task Force are supporting the Romanian Air Force in protecting Romanian airspace as part of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing under Operation Reassurance.  At the same time, the RCAF continues to provide standby capabilities to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

“Canada’s Air Force includes nearly 14,000 military personnel, 1,600 civilian personnel who work with them, and the families who support them. Their actions at home and around the world demonstrate our continued commitment to Canadian sovereignty and the protection of Canadian values and interests worldwide.

We ask all Canadians to join us in celebrating and recognizing the professionalism and dedication of our Royal Canadian Air Force.”