To the editor,
Re: Snowbird militarism shouldn’t be celebrated, Letters, Aug. 20.
With respect to the authors of the letter, the Snowbirds’ aircraft (the Tutor) is not a modified jet fighter. The design was a product of Canadair, a Montreal-based aircraft company, and it was designed specifically as a training aircraft and an order was placed by the RCAF in 1961, with deliveries starting later. The sole use of the Tutor by the RCAF and CF was in the training role.
Canadair did develop a follow-on design as a ground attack aircraft and did sell 20 of that variant to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1967.
That means that the “jet fighter” claim is incorrect. Regardless of one’s views of the Canadian Armed Forces, which the authors are entitled to espouse their opinions about, they are not entitled to their own facts.
In addition, the military does not fund Remembrance Day services, as those events are organized for the most part by the Royal Canadian Legion and the communities in which cenotaphs are located. The Canadian Forces participates in these events that are not done to “celebrate” wars and battles, but to recognize and remember the service and sacrifices of those who served this country. Hopefully, if we as a nation strive to remember our past history, we will not be doomed to repeat it.
Robin Alford, RCAF/CF (Maj.-Ret.), Nanaimo
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Snowbirds put on a show, not a military exercise
RELATED: Snowbirds bring their sights and sounds to the sky above Nanaimo
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.