North Bay Armed Forces Day celebrated virtually this year
There were no loud cheers or parachuting demo team at North Bay’s Lake Nipissing waterfront this year. Despite all this, Wednesday marked North Bay's Armed Forces Day, one of the largest military celebrations in the country.
"It gives us the sense of pride of the uniform that we wear. Today is the day to recognize our members for what they do," said 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Commander Col. Mark Lachapelle.
Under normal circumstances, the military men and women of 22 Wing/CFB North Bay would put on air displays at the waterfront in front of a roaring crowd. But, this Armed Forces Day is a bit different as celebrations move online.
The City of North Bay and 22 Wing released a video highlighting the work the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force do on base. North Bay Mayor Al McDonald is honouring his military family in his life.
"My dad was a fighter pilot and his job was actually intercepting Russian bombers as they came over the polar cap," McDonald said.
His two grandfathers also fought in WWII.
As part of Armed Forces Day, base personnel and the city asked people to wear red to honour those who don the uniform.
There are 600 men and women from both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force located at the Canadian Forces Base in North Bay. They are responsible for 24-hour surveillance and identification of 200,000 flights per year approaching Canada and North America. But Lachapelle says there are also many members behind the scenes who play a key role as well.
"The focus is always the mission, but we have additional roles in supporting that mission, whether you're a cook or doing the medical support to our members," he said.
Besides their normal duties as aerospace guardians, base personnel has been out in the community taking part in events. Most notably, the 22 Wing Cares Food Drive at Christmas time. This food drive collects food and money donations for the food bank.
"They coach hockey and sports and get involved in our community and we're very proud to have them here in our city,” McDonald said of the local military members.
While the base is slightly disappointed it couldn't hold an armed forces bash because of the ongoing health crisis, Lachapelle said the team is working with the city in hopes of hosting a huge celebration next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.