Armed Forces Day highlights military’s role in North Bay

Thousands cheered Royal Canadian Air Force flyovers and Skyhawks jumps at North Bay's Armed Forces Day, honouring military service.

A sea of red filled the North Bay waterfront Tuesday as the City of North Bay and 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base hosted the 13th annual Armed Forces Day celebration.

The event honoured the service and sacrifice of Canadian military personnel, drawing cheers and applause from spectators as the Canadian Forces Skyhawks parachute team performed aerial maneuvers overhead. The national anthems of Canada and the United States echoed across the crowd.

“They’re true Canadians,” said Evaleigh Hamilton, a Grade 5 student at Woodland Public School. “They’re so amazing.”

Approximately 3,000 people, many waving Canadian and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) flags, packed the Lake Nipissing shoreline to watch the festivities. Most attendees were students who have been learning about the military’s role in national security.

“I remember learning about some of the jets,” said Ruby Prisco, another Grade 5 student at Woodland Public School. “Thank you for serving our country.”

Following the Skyhawks’ demonstration, the crowd was treated to flyovers by a CF-18 Hornet, a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J Hercules and a United States Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon. Attendees also enjoyed face painting, tried on military gear and explored military vehicles up close.

North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico encouraged students to show their appreciation for the armed forces.

“Whether it’s domestic, international peacekeeping, or whatever, these people take care of us,” Chirico said.

“Just the last couple of days out west with all the fires, what do you see? The first people on the ground. It’s the armed forces.”

For 95-year-old Korean War veteran Dennis Moore, the event brought back memories. Moore was 18 when he enlisted with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry after hearing former prime minister Louis St. Laurent’s call for volunteers on the radio. Three days later, he was training in Calgary before deploying to Korea in late 1950.

Moore said he especially enjoys meeting young attendees.

“Armed Forces Day is to show our strength and the people to show their support,” Moore told CTV News. “It shows the world that we’re here and we’re going to be ready.”

More than 100 Years

Last year marked the RCAF’s 100th anniversary. Approximately 400 personnel, including 20 U.S. Air Force members, are stationed at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, where they monitor nearly 200,000 aircraft approaching Canadian airspace annually. The base has been a key part of the community for over 70 years.

“We defend our way of life, the Canadian way of life, our communities, our families,” said acting wing commander Lt.-Col. Elisha Sloan-Keats.

“I was out getting groceries last night late home from work and an older gentleman stopped and came up to me and said, ‘You know, thank you so much for your service.’ I could tell it was from the heart.”

The event reinforced the city’s pride in its military community.

“They fight very hard for Canada,” Hamilton said with a smile.