RCAF Centennial Celebration at the Kipnes Centre
Kipnes residents gathering for the flag-raising ceremony celebrating the RCAF's 100 Year Anniversary.
April 1, 2024 - April 1st, 2024 marks the 100-year anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) becoming one of Canada’s three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This year, the Kipnes Centre for Veterans collaborated with the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and the 700 Wing Association of Edmonton to make the centennial celebration extra special for its residents, especially the 23 RCAF veterans who call Kipnes home.
The 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and the 700 Wing Association of Edmonton occasionally conduct flypasts to celebrate special occasions. In the past, Kipnes residents could only observe the flypast from afar. But this year, members of Kipnes’ staff, like Community Services Coordinator Bev Friske, worked with the RCAF-affiliated organizations to bring a plane much closer to home because they knew how much the residents would appreciate it. To celebrate the 100-year anniversary, a Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopter flew directly over the Kipnes centre at 11:05 a.m.
“Organizing and participating in this celebration helps provide a space to honour and recognize our RCAF veteran residents’ contributions to Canada’s military,” says Friske. “Not only is it a chance to celebrate our residents and thank our veterans for their service, but it inspires conversation and connection between residents and current military members.”
Since its formation, the RCAF has been dedicated to protecting and preserving the freedom of Canadians while contributing to global peace and security. Whether it be combatting the Luftwaffe in WWII or fighting wildfires in the Northwest Territories in 2023, those who serve in the RCAF continually defend the vulnerable from existential threats, and CapitalCare is excited to honour and give back to RCAF veterans on such an important day.
Making celebrations like this a little more special for CapitalCare’s RCAF veteran residents is an inspiring example of person-centred care. Guided by key values like Putting People First, Coming From the Heart, and Working Together With Purpose, the Kipnes team made a precious day even better for the remarkable residents who enliven the centre. After a lifetime of invaluable service, RCAF veterans deserve a memorable celebration, and the Kipnes staff went above and beyond to ensure that the residents finally had a front-row seat to enjoy the show.