Mr. Speaker, 90 years ago today, in 1924, King George V proclaimed the birth of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Building on our aviation heritage, from the Silver Dart of Baddeck in 1909 and Billy Bishop's courage of the early morning in World War I, the men and women of the RCAF, in service of King, Queen, and country,
have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings
Along the way, they have been supported by thousands of dedicated ground crew and support personnel as they
joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds—and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of—
They brought glory to themselves and Canada through large wars and small, peacekeeping, search and rescue, disaster relief, and maritime operations, while protecting our sovereignty and security and contributing to making the world a better place.
It did not come cheap, and more than 17,000 airmen and airwomen have made the ultimate sacrifice. They have
topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew
And, while silent lifting mind [have] trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out [a] hand and touched the face of God.
We salute you. Per Ardua Ad Astra