A TRIBUTE IN THE SKY
The Snowbirds flew over the city Wednesday, offering their unique tribute to front-line health-care workers. The aerial team was seen soaring above the city's hospitals.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds took to the sky above Calgary on Wednesday, doing a flyby of local hospitals to thank health-care workers for their efforts during the pandemic.
The Snowbirds took flight at noon for a trip across the city, and were seen soaring above the city's hospitals, including Peter Lougheed Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, South Health Campus, Rockyview General and Alberta Children's Hospital.
“Mostly, the purpose of our flight was to fly to the hospitals and show our support to the members of the health-care system that's been working on the front lines for the past year. They're the ones who have gotten us through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gabriel Ferris, public affairs officer with the Snowbirds, said minutes after the crew landed.
“I really see the enthusiasm from everyone on the ground ... It's the best part of the job is to see the support from people on the ground and the smiles on people's faces when you fly over.”
The flyover was part of Operation Inspiration, an initiative that started in 2020 to salute Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19. The operation, which was meant to inspire, was hit by tragedy, however, when a bird flew into the engine of one of the Snowbird CT-114 aircraft in Kamloops, B.C., resulting in a crash that killed Capt. Jenn Casey, a public affairs officer who was aboard the jet.
We want to say to Canada that, `Hey, we're all in this together.'
And we're continuing the legacy that Jenn Casey founded.
The operation was shut down before the team reached Calgary, so Wednesday's flight was a continuation of that initiative, providing “an opportunity to carry on the legacy of Captain Jenn Casey,” according to a news release from the Snowbirds about two months ago.
The Calgary area is the Snowbirds' first stop on their second tour of the country since flights were paused after the crash in Kamloops.
“We want to say to Canada that, `Hey, we're all in this together.' And we're continuing the legacy that Jenn Casey founded,” said Ferris.
“The team is thrilled to be back on the road and see people again.”
Alberta Health Services said the recognition of health-care teams by the Snowbirds is appreciated.
“AHS staff, physicians and volunteers have worked tirelessly through the COVID -19 pandemic and we are very proud and thankful for all they have done,” AHS said in a statement Wednesday.
“We've seen warm gestures of thanks and recognition from many Albertans, and seeing the Snowbirds offer their gratitude is heartwarming.”
The Snowbirds' flight plan also included a tour above the city's core, the Stampede, Canada Olympic Park, the airport, and the surrounding communities of Okotoks, Cochrane, Morley and Airdrie.
As the Snowbirds passed above the crowds at Stampede, many paused to look at the sky to watch them zoom by. The jets did a few laps around the park before heading toward their next destination.
Vancouver is the next destination for Operation Inspiration, before the team resumes a nationwide summer tour at a number of air shows, including in Alberta at Camrose and Cold Lake.