The Royal Canadian Air Force will attend the Congrès mondial acadien in Southwest Nova Scotia August 13 to 15, taking part in an international celebration of Acadian culture and heritage. The RCAF pavilion at l’Echange, a trade show-style event, will feature RCAF Gameforce flight simulators, virtual reality headsets from the RCAF Attractions Team, local Cadets and 14 Wing Greenwood personnel. They will interact with an estimated 10,000 people.
“The CMA brings together thousands of people of Acadian descent to celebrate the linguistic, cultural, and economic vitality of the community,” says Colonel Maggie Jacula, campaign manager for RCAF 2024. “In our centennial year, the RCAF is pleased to highlight our Acadian aviators and their role in shaping air force and Acadian history.”
While raising awareness of the centennial, the RCAF will also recognize Acadian service in the air force. August 13, historian Ronald Cormier will deliver “Acadians from the Maritimes and the RCAF: Second World War,” highlighting contributions, despite cultural and linguistic barriers to service at that time.
August 14, 14 Wing Commander Colonel Jeff Davis will present RCAF100 coins to local Acadian veterans and supporters of the RCAF.
August 15 is National Acadian Day, and the 14 Wing Band will delight audiences with two performances of military and Acadian music. The second performance will take place near the start of the Tintamarre, an Acadian tradition of marching while making noise. An RCAF flyby overhead will kick-off the Tintamarre.
“We recognize the important contributions Acadian and Francophone Canadians have made to the RCAF while serving Canada,” says Jacula. “Their culture, traditions and language have broadened perspectives and added to the diversity of the air force.”
