Towering over the Village at Griesbach, a former military site, in a northwest Edmonton park is a new 10 metre-tall sculpture of stainless steel and granite honouring the historic links between Edmonton and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
In a ceremony held on Sunday, officials said the monument was dedicated to those who have served, are serving and will serve in Canada’s Air Force.
Alongside the sculpture, named “Ad Astra”, are storyboards outlining Edmonton’s rich aviation history, which dates back almost 100 years - as well as plaques honouring eight veteran airmen with strong connections to the region and province.
Wing Commander Russell Bannock, Lieutenant General Don Laubman and Flight Lieutenant Robert Morgan were among those honoured and in attendance at Sunday’s ceremony.
Flight Lieutenant Johnnie Caine, Lieutenant General William Carr, Brigadier General Keith Greenaway, Brigadier General Bill Newson and Group Captain Joe Schultz were also honoured.
In addition, all eight men will also have streets in the Griesbach neighbourhood named in their honour.
The ceremony, which featured a military parade as well as a flypast of CF-18 fighter jets marked a culmination of RCAF Week activities.
Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell was also on hand to celebrate.
