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Cameco Canada Remembers Air Show -- 2007

Organizer's memory soars over air show

The 13th Cameco Canada Remembers International Air Show would have marked a milestone for John (Jack) Scarfe, who helped launch the event that now captivates 30,000 people every year. The Second World War gunner with the RAF won't be there in 2007. He died in December at 82.
By The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) August 17, 2007

This one's for Jack.

The 13th Cameco Canada Remembers International Air Show would have marked a milestone for John (Jack) Scarfe, who helped launch the event that now captivates 30,000 people every year. The Second World War gunner with the RAF won't be there in 2007. He died in December at 82.

The show, heralded as Canada's largest annual salute to veterans, this year will also commemorate the fallen troops in Afghanistan. But somewhere on the grounds of the John G. Diefenbaker airport, at least one man will be saluting Scarfe.

"Jack and I were driving to Moose Jaw when we discussed the idea of having an air show in Saskatoon," said Brian Swidrovich, director of the event. "Jack talked about having it for at least one year but maybe a few. I told him 13 is my lucky number, so let's go for that.

"When Jack passed away, he had seen 12 of them."

Scarfe's funeral was in December, but his family held off the internment of his remains until May 7, the official 13th anniversary of the air show.

"That's how important it was to him," Swidrovich said.

After this year's show, the event is taking a year's leave until 2009 due to runway construction at the airport.

"This is an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for our veterans, while we still have the opportunity to salute those still with us," Swidrovich said.

"These brave men and women would never ask in a million years to be thanked for the sacrifices they made. But I know they are moved by the number of people who come out each year. It is very powerful and important to them."

This year the show will prominently feature 67 Canadian flags strung along the site as a tribute to the soldiers from this country who have lost their lives in the ongoing Afghanistan conflict.

"We can't forget those who are serving our country today," Swidrovich said. "They are the veterans of tomorrow."

Each day's event will begin with opening ceremonies and a parade of veterans led by a pipes and drums band. A military padre will deliver a prayer of remembrance, followed by a two-minute silence, a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial flypast.

"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.

For Capt. David Moar, who will fly an F-18 in the Saskatoon sky, the event holds the emotion of a homecoming. Raised in the city, he left to join the military in 1992 and is now posted in Cold Lake, Alta.

"It's a proud moment to fly an airplane into Saskatoon and show everybody what I do," he said, adding many family and friends are still in the city.

The 32-year-old still makes the occasional trip back, but it's usually by car. The view from above, however, provides a better perspective of the city and how it's grown. It's the air show that Moar has really seen come of age, though.

"It's excellent. I watched it grow up and it's become one of the sought-after shows to be at," he said, adding the opportunity to visit veterans and other airmen is unrivaled.

"It gets better and better and I'm so proud to say I'm from Saskatoon."

The show is set for take off this weekend, from10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. There are dozens of static exhibits to take in -- aircraft and land forces equipment -- many of which can be entered by the public.

The United States National Guard is sending an F-16, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueler and C-130 Hercules, while a number of Second World War-era bombers and fighters will be on full display.

Making an appearance for the first time in years is an open cockpit Stearman biplane. Used in the Second World War the double-winged craft later became popular as crop dusters and as sports planes.

There is also a car that Swidrovich said resembles a mini-Challenger space shuttle. It comes equipped with a jet engine and can move at 480 kilometres an hour. For those wanting to experience a little of the thrill, a 12-seat flight simulator will be on hand.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students, seniors and children. Admission is free for veterans and pre-school-aged children.

dbernhardt@sp.canwest.com

© (c) CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc.

 

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