Saskatoon Air Show Promotes Remembrance

It's an international air show with a difference.

First of all, it's held yearly in Saskatoon and draws upwards of 30,000 visitors annually to see vintage aircraft, WW II trainers, fighters and bombers as well as the latest in jet-powered aircraft. Secondly , it is dedicated to veterans and the promotion of remembrance.

It all began back on May 7, 1995, when Saskatoon hosted the first Canada Remembers International Air Show at the request of several veterans organizations. The show this year is the 9th in a series of shows that has been gaining in popularity and in spreading the theme of remembrance throughout the country and the world.

An example of how the remembrance theme is spreading was given by one of the show's organizers, Brian Swidrovich, business development manager at Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon's Trade and Sports Centre: "While many large Canadian cities' primary Remembrance Day ceremonies struggle to attract several hundred people, Saskatoon's Nov. 11 service draws over 7,000 each year," he said. "This helps prove the message and method of delivery is working."

Each day's events begin with opening ceremonies and a parade of veterans led by a pipes and drums band. An announcer pays tribute to Canada's veterans and the need to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. A military padre delivers a prayer of remembrance, followed by a two-minute silence, a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial flypast of WW II-era trainers. The veterans are then marched off the field to the applause of thousands lining the air show facility.

"With over 3,000...veterans leaving us each and every month, the time when our youth will lose the opportunity to actually shake the hand of a veteran is drawing to a close," said Swidrovich. This was why the theme this year, "It's Time To Say Thanks", was initiated and "we hope will develop into a national theme."