419 Squadron coming to Kamloops for 75th anniversary reunion

KAMLOOPS – The 419 Squadron will perform a flypast as part of an anniversary celebration in Kamloops next month. 

The 419 Squadron has a historical relationship with the city dating back to 1943 when Kamloops formally adopted the wartime unit which was first commanded by hometown local Wing Commander John 'Moose' Fulton. In 1993, 419 Squadron was honoured with the 'Freedom of the City'.

“We are very honoured to be recognizing this milestone in our community. We welcome this opportunity to celebrate the long-standing relationship with the squadron and look forward to many more years to come,” Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar says in a news release about the 75th anniversary reunion.

On Saturday, July 9, the 419 Squadron, Kamloops Rocky Mountain Rangers and local cadets will march to city hall with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed. Culminating at the end of the parade will be a 'Moose Salute' flypast by four current 419 Squadron CT-155 Hawk fighter jets.

There will also be a gala dinner taking place at the Sandman Centre on the Saturday. Tickets are $95 each, or $700 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Jody Lewis at 250-828-3494 or jlewis@kamloops.ca. Ticket sales for the dinner close on June 20.

On Sunday, July 10, there will also be a static Hawk Jet display at Kamloops Fulton Field from 1 to 4 p.m.

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