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2004 Air Show Highlights |
- WW II Spitfire Pilot Gordon Wilson took
over the rear seat in a vintage Harvard (flown by Peter Houghton) for
the first time since training in a Harvard over 60 years ago, as the
aircraft rumbled past the Parade during a two-minute silence. Mayor Don
Atchison addresses the crowd both days, welcoming everyone to the
Tribute as well as thanking Veterans and current Armed Forces personnel
for their commitment to this country.
- Richard & Claire Leger (parents of
fallen PPCLI soldier Sgt. Mark Leger) and Lloyd & Charlotte Smith
(parents of fallen PPCLI soldier Pte. Nathan Smith) graciously returned
to Saskatoon to participate in the Opening Ceremonies to not only say
thank you to Saskatchewan for Remembering their sons and other Canadian
Armed Forces personnel who continue to serve this country, but to also
represent parents of all young Canadians who serve this great nation,
coming to Saskatoon to help salute Canada's aging Veterans.
- Although weather forced the cancellation
of the scheduled mass Hot Air Balloon launch at the Air Show site, about
a dozen balloons filled the Saskatoon skies throughout the weekend with
a total of approximately 50 flights; Saskatoon and area residents
witnessed this first ever mass-launch, as the colour and silent grace of
these beautiful balloons painted the sky each morning and early evening.
A very special thank you to all the Balloon Pilots and crews who
travelled to Saskatoon to help Honour Canada's Veterans and celebrate
the 75th Anniversary of the Saskatoon Airport.
- The United States Air Force F-15 West
Coast Demo Team returned for the third time in four years, joining the
CF-18 Hornet Demo Team, the Snowbirds, Sky Hawks and several other
world-class Air Show performers to salute our Veterans and entertain a
chilly and wet crowd of over 23,000; while normal attendance figures
fell due to the unseasonably cold and rainy weather, we commend those
who braved the elements to help pay tribute to Canada's Veterans. Thank
you to all.
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