Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Snowbird Crash

“We are still in shock” Kamloops mayor commits to building Snowbird memorial during tribute ceremony

May 21, 2020 | 11:43 AM

KAMLOOPS — The mayor of Kamloops says a memorial will soon arise within the city for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

The Snowbirds suffered a tragic loss Sunday in Kamloops. Capt. Jennifer Casey was killed and Capt. Richard MacDougall was seriously injured after they ejected from their aircraft over Brocklehurst. The jet crashed into a home and burst into flames.

At a tribute ceremony at the Kamloops Airport Thursday (May 21), Mayor Ken Christian committed to memorializing the tragedy.

“The City of Kamloops will create a memorial to recognize the contribution of the Snowbirds,” Christian told the assembled crowd and streaming audience. “They’re cherished Canadian icons that have been with us for 50 years and we will make an appropriate memorial to their service to this country.”

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Christian noted the memorial would come together “at an appropriate time.”

The tribute ceremony, organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, included readings, the laying of wreaths and a bugler playing the Last Post. The event was initially meant to be a public gathering, before organizers asked the public to stay away due to physical distancing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Christian said Sunday’s crash bound Kamloops together with Nova Scotia, Capt. Casey’s home province.

“We are still in shock over the cruel irony of Operation Inspiration and the near-miss that we had in the community of Brocklehurst — and we’re processing that tragedy,” said Christian.

“We, the citizens of Kamloops, stand with the residents of Nova Scotia in terms of our acknowledgement of this incident and our deepest sympathies and regrets to the family of Capt. Casey.”

“And to the Snowbird family, the inspiration is not lost. Thank-you for your service.”