MAY 17, 2020 was a Sunday.
I was at home with my family when I received a phone call from the station.
It was a young weekend employee telling me that he wasn’t sure, but it appeared one of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds had crashed in Brocklehurst.
As you can understand, we receive a lot of reports from people who believe terrible things have happened in the community. 99 per cent of the time, we can make a few calls and determine the reality is not nearly as dramatic as the initial report.
With this in mind, I told this young employee that what he was describing could not possibly be true. It seemed just too horrifying to contemplate.
The Snowbirds were in Kamloops as part of a mission of national unity amid the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the moments following that phone call, videos began to emerge online confirming the worst.
Most of us lived through that nightmare, so we don’t need to relive it any further.
This week, the community dedicated Fulton Field Park and the sculpture ‘May She Soar’, a tribute to Captain Jenn Casey, who lost her life that fateful day.
It’s a beautiful memorial and one that must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Artist Sarah Holliday and fabricator Raw Element Design should be commended for their brilliant creation.
If there are any silver linings to the dark, dark cloud of May 17, 2020, they are these — first, that Kamloops formed an everlasting bond in our grief with the Snowbirds.
The future of the aerobatic team is uncertain. The present government has indicated its intent to keep the demonstration squadron going but replace its now-archaic CT-114 Tutor aircraft.
If there is a change in government next year, who knows?
Whatever the case, Kamloops will be watching. The Snowbirds are in our hearts.
The second silver lining is that, through tributes and ceremonies like the one held this week to dedicate the memorial sculpture, the entire country has been introduced to Jenn Casey.
There was a lot to talk about this week — especially in the world of politics, both provincially and locally.
Just as important though, is an amazing addition to our public amenities in Kamloops, and a chance to remember someone who gave her life right here in Kamloops in service to her country.
——
Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.
