CFB Borden marks 100 years since RCAF took flight with unveiling of new monument, museum
The Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) storied history was marked across the country on Tuesday, including at one of its most important military bases, CFB (Canadian Forces Base) Borden.
CFB Borden celebrated the 100th anniversary of the RCAF with a monument unveiling and reopening of its Hangar 11 museum, inviting members of the public and Canadian Armed Forces to attend the festivities.
Hangar 11 was the first stop on the day, with the museum featuring pivotal artifacts of the RCAF's history at the base, which includes even the hangar itself, as one of the best preserved wartime hangars in the country.
A plane inside the newly reopened Hangar 11 museum at CFB Borden, taken on April 2, 2024 (Christian D'Avino/CTV News) According to the museum's director, Andrew Gregory, the museum pays special tribute to those who never made it overseas.
"The British government decided that it needed a Canadian training program and so Borden was the first site selected. So consequently, a Lieutenant Colonel showed up here on January 27, 1917 and immediately decided that an aerodrome should be built here and it becomes the first built military aerodrome in Canada," Gregory said. "Training began within weeks of the decision to build, the first casualty occurs on April 8. I think of the thousands that died during the first World War, we don't realize that in two years that the RCAF was operating here at Borden, 149 trainee pilots and instructors were killed."
CFB Borden officials then transitioned to the unveiling of its latest monument, the Ad Astra Monument near the entrance of CFB Borden.
Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Ad Astra, meaning "to the stars" in Latin, points to the sky to honour all those who've served for Canada through the air.
"It joins several other installations created to ensure the service and sacrifice of Canada's military members are not forgotten," said Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander of the RCAF.
The museum and the monument are now both open to the public to attend and visit.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.