The RCAF in Toronto: A story in photos

News Article / August 31, 2017

Click on the photo under “Image Gallery” to see more photos.

From RCAF Public Affairs

Over the past 100 years, Toronto has been home to squadrons, schools, medical centres, cadet squadrons, air reserve units, headquarters, veterans’ association wings, and Regular Force and Reserve Force elements, of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

You could say we’ve grown up together.

On September 1, 2017, the RCAF will hold one of its most solemn and important ceremonies in Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. There, beginning at 12:30 p.m., the RCAF will receive its third “stand” of Colours from Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada David Johnston.

“Colours” are the consecrated flags of military organizations. Historically, they led warriors into battle, as a rallying point and source of inspiration. Today, the RCAF Colours are displayed in the RCAF headquarters in Ottawa.

The stand comprises two Colours. The Queen’s Colour, a maple leaf flag with the Sovereign’s cypher in the centre, symbolizes loyalty to the Crown. The Command Colour, a blue flag with the RCAF’s badge at the centre, symbolizes the RCAF’s pride, cohesion and valour.

The City of Toronto and the RCAF have been working together to fashion a day of solemn ceremony to mark this occasion. And celebration, and stirring music, and selfies!

And flypasts! At about 1:15 p.m., Second World War aircraft will fly over Queen Street from east to west. At about 2 p.m., 25 RCAF aircraft, including a specially painted “Canada 150” CF-18 Demo Hornet, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, will parade over Queen Street from east to west.

Come and join with us to celebrate our Colours!

But for today, visit our Image Gallery, to the right on this page, for a visual history of RCAF people, aircraft and activities in Toronto.