Airport renamed in honour of Canada's most decorated military veteran
It's one of Meaford's crown jewels and now has a new name in honour of one of Canada's most celebrated soldiers.
On Thursday afternoon, a large crowd gathered at what is now known as the Major General Richard Rohmer Meaford International Airport. Previously named after Billy Bishop, who also has an airport named after him in Toronto, the new owner decided to start a new chapter at the storied facility.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"He means everything to the whole country as far as a tribute to our freedom and fighting overseas," said Rick Horwath, who recently took over ownership of the Meaford airport.
General Rohmer is Canada's most decorated veteran in military history.
As he's called even by his closest loved ones, the General was just a young man when he served overseas in the Second World War, playing pivotal roles on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy.
While he was shot at many times while flying in the Royal Canadian Air Force over his 135 missions, his plane was only hit once.
"I'm feeling very excited about the fact that [the airport has] been renamed for me," General Rohmer told CTV News. "It's a great treasure and a great thrill to be invited to participate in it. I've flown out of this airport many times."
Thursday's gathering was attended by various dignitaries, including Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner and Ontario's Lieutenant-Governor Edith Dumont.
"He has been there for us all his life, so I think it's our time now to be right there and celebrate him," Dumont said.
During her address to the crowd, Dumont spoke of her first meeting with General Rohmer shortly after she was appointed last year. Initially slated for approximately half an hour in her schedule, their meeting went for approximately two hours, with Dumont soaking up the General's first-hand accounts of history.
"I was quite impressed that he was at the door outside waiting for me. So right away, he made me feel welcome as a new lieutenant governor," Dumont said. "I just felt welcome."
While primarily wanting to honour the legacy of General Rohmer, airport owner Rick Horwath said he hopes that the name change also sparks a renewed interest in the aviation field.
"It's gone downhill in the last few years, and I think we can revive it," Horwath said.
Thursday's gathering was nothing out of the ordinary for General Rohmer. Despite turning 100 earlier this year, the veteran maintains a relatively busy schedule, attending five events in about ten days.
Earlier this Spring, he managed to return to France as thousands of people from around the world converged to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
"It doesn't feel 100! Being 100 doesn't impact me at all," Rohmer said. "I don't intend to slow down. There's no sense in slowing down."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
TD Bank hit with record US$3 billion fine over drug cartel money laundering
TD Bank will pay US$3 billion to settle charges that it failed to properly monitor money laundering by drug cartels, regulators announced Thursday.
DEVELOPING Live updates: Millions without power amid path of destruction left by Hurricane Milton
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
Fisher-Price infant swings recalled in Canada after 5 deaths reported
Several models of Fisher-Price infant swings have been recalled in Canada after the company received reports of fatalities link to affected products.
'The View' co-hosts come out swinging at Donald Trump a day after he insulted them
The hosts of ABC's 'The View' clapped back at Donald Trump on Thursday, a day after the Republican nominee for president insulted co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg.
Poilievre says 'other ways' to address affordability for seniors than Bloc's proposed pension boost
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says that while his party backed a Bloc Quebecois motion seeking money to boost seniors' benefits, he thinks there are 'other ways' to address affordability for older Canadians.
Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died
Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, her family said. She was 96.
Video shows violent robbery north of Toronto, suspects make off with suitcase full of cash: police
Police north of Toronto have released video of what they’re describing as a violent, targeted robbery in Thornhill, where suspects boxed in the victim’s car and made off with a suitcase filled with cash.
Air Canada pilots vote in favour of new contract, dousing strike fears
Air Canada pilots have given a green light to a tentative agreement with the airline, easing any fears of a future strike.
B.C. candidate apologizes for 'unacceptable' comments about Muslims, Palestinians
One of the B.C. Conservative candidates running in the province's second-largest city has apologized for "completely unacceptable" comments he made about Muslims and Palestinians.