Events
Nights Skies to Turn Blue to Commemorate the RCAF’s Centennial
CMFMAG TeamTo mark the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Centennial, famous landmarks, city halls, businesses, embassies, and residences around the world will be illuminated in blue on April 1, 2024.
For over a century, the RCAF and its personnel have defended Canada, its people, allies, and interests. To mark the RCAF’s 100 years of service, which began on April 1, 1924, the organization aims to commemorate RCAF personnel in Canada, both at home and abroad.
In 1923, King George V bestowed the designation “Royal” on the Canadian Air Force, and on April 1, 1924, the RCAF was established as a permanent component of Canada’s defence force.
Illumination Initiative Growing
“This illumination initiative has grown exponentially over the last year. Our goal is to celebrate the achievements of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) throughout its first century as an independent service. As we commemorate 100 years of the RCAF, we honour the sacrifices and successes of our members who have served Canada with distinction, and we look to inspire the next generation. The RCAF will continue to play an important role in Canada’s future,” Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff, said in a statement.
Over 300 landmarks in 20 countries are confirmed to participate in the illumination campaign. In Canada, over 100 locations in 10 provinces will be marking the RCAF Centennial.
A few of the icon locations include:
- Calgary Tower, Alberta,
- Vancouver Sails of Light, BC,
- Esplanade Riel, Manitoba,
- Confederation Building, St. John’s, Newfoundland,
- Fredericton City Hall, New Brunswick,
- Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia,
- Niagara Falls, Ontario,
- the CN Tower, Ontario,
- Montréal Tower, Quebec
- Charlottetown City Hall, PEI, and
- Regina City Hall, Saskatchewan.
To date, international locations include:
- United States, buildings in 33 states, including Willis Tower
- Australia, Trafalgar Bridge,
- Ireland, Cork City Hall,
- Northern Ireland, two locations,
- Scotland, 10 locations, including St Andrews House and Victoria Quay,
- England, 9 locations, including Westminster City Hall,
- New Zealand, 11 locations, including Aotea Centre, Auckland,
- Bermuda, Hamilton City Hall, Hamilton,
- Austria, Danube Tower,
- Estonia, Tallinn TV Tower,
- France, 22 locations, including Vimy Ridge Monument,
- Germany, Allied Air Command, Ramstein AFB,
- Greece, Hotel Estia, Messinia,
- Iceland, Perlan Museum, Reykjavik,
- Iraq, Canadian Embassy,
- Italy, Canadian Embassy,
- Latvia, Riga Town Council Clock Tower, Riga
- Lithuania, Vytautas Magnus War Museum, Kaunas,
- Mexico, 2 locations including the Senate of the Republic, Mexico City,
- Netherlands, 5 locations, including Ber en Dal Town Hall,
- Poland, 10 locations, including Father Bernatek’s Bridge in Karków,
- Slovenia, Tromostovje Bridge, Ljubljana, and
- South Korea, the N Seoul Tower.
More landmarks and countries are expected to join the campaign in the coming weeks.
Join the Celebration
“It’s marvelous to see so many people come together in celebrating the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial. The RCAF has accomplished so many incredible things in the past century, all thanks to the amazing people who have contributed to it. This day of celebration belongs to Canadians across the world,” said RCAF 2024 Campaign Manager Colonel Margaret Jacula.
The RCAF is encouraging Canadians across the country to join the illumination initiative by lighting up their cities, businesses, and homes in blue, sharing the images on social media, and using the hashtags #RCAF100 and #100YearsOfFlyingBlue in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force and its personnel.
“We are also excited to announce that we are collaborating with Guinness World Records, as the RCAF will attempt to break the World Record for most landmarks illuminated in 24 hours. The Guinness World Record attempt is just one of many ways the Royal Canadian Air Force will be celebrating its centennial,” noted the press release.
For those who would like to register their participation in this event and have their building added to the list of locations taking part in the illuminations initiative, email Capt. Aaron Niles here.
“We look forward to sharing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with you,” noted the RCAF 100th Commemoration website.
More Events Planned
Also, over the spring and summer months, events like air shows, the RCAF Run, gala balls, and commemorative tree plantings will take place across Canada and around the world to celebrate the RCAF’s 100th anniversary.
The organization also has merchandise people can purchase to mark the occasion here. Find more locations being illuminated in blue here. here. For more information on these events, please visit the RCAF 2024 Centennial website here.
