Members of the Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron returned home to 15 Wing Moose Jaw today, making their way over the city in a more solemn flyover than the last time they did so on May 12.
Upon their arrival for the first time since the fatal crash in Kamloops, B.C. that killed public affairs officer Captain Jennifer Casey and injured pilot Captain Richard MacDougall, the Snowbirds were greeted by a showing of love and support visible from the air, as Moose Jaw residents reached out to welcome the team home.
By request of 15 Wing Honourary Colonel Lisa Franks, the City of Moose Jaw, and Tourism Moose Jaw, residents were asked to “show their love” for the Snowbirds by creating heart displays that would be visible from the air.
Moose Jaw certainly responded, covering the city in hearts for the Snowbirds to see as they zig-zagged overhead in a C-130 Hercules aircraft during their return from Halifax, following the memorial service for Capt. Casey on May 24.
The idea for the aerial displays sprung up as the community searched for a way to show their support for the grieving team, while also respecting their privacy during such a difficult time and the current social distancing measures.
“It's a deeply emotional time, especially for Captain Casey's family and Captain MacDougall, the entire Snowbirds team, everybody at 15 Wing. Our hearts are going out to them and hopefully, this will help lighten their spirits just a little bit,” said Franks.
As a part of the event, Wakamow Valley mowed a large heart into the grass at the end of 4th Ave South, and the Moose Jaw Police Service and the Moose Jaw & District Paramedics arranged their emergency vehicles in a heart shape on the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders also displayed a large Canadian flag on the field at Central Collegiate, and community members gathered in the parking lot of Tourism Moose Jaw to form a heart with their vehicles.
There was also an incredible collection of chalk drawings covering pavement all over the city, done by Moose Jaw residents — in residential neighbourhoods, in front of Central Collegiate, and on the driveway of the Moose Jaw Fire Hall on Main Street, to name a few.
Prior to the event, Col. Franks left several large containers chalk at the Tourism Moose Jaw building for anyone wishing to add their artwork to the growing tribute, and those unable to create their own display were invited to step outside and wave to the Snowbirds as they travelled overhead, while respecting social distancing.
“I was hoping this would catch on and knowing Moose Jaw, I figured it would,” said Franks, prior to the Snowbirds’ arrival in the afternoon of May 25. “So it's great to see that it is all coming together and people from all areas are taking part.”
Those who set out to show their support were encouraged to share their hearts on social media using the hashtag #ShowYourHeart, to spread the idea further through the community.
The community's show of solidarity is also set to be memorialized, thanks to 15 Wing Chaplain Capt. Reverend Eric Davis. He has asked people to send photos of their heart displays to him at sjamj@hotmail.com, which will be included in a memory book for both Capt. Casey’s family and the Snowbirds team itself.
Seeing so much support from the community was heartwarming for Col. Franks and members of 15 Wing, but admittedly not at all surprising.
“I know what the people here are like and it's just what we do as a community to embrace our people, especially when people are hurting, it's how we come together,” said Franks.
In addition to the show of support on May 25, Moose Jaw has also created a memorial of potted flowers underneath the decommissioned Tutor jet on display at Tourism Moose Jaw, which will be planted in Crescent Park this summer in tribute to both Capt. Casey and Capt. MacDougall.
Local members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 also laid wreaths at the memorial on May 22, in memory and support of the two Snowbirds affected by the tragedy.
Capt. Reverend Davis also shared a special request from Capt. Casey’s family, in a prepared statement made prior to the welcome home event, for those wishing to honour the fallen Snowbird’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks people to instead make a donation to their local food bank, or to their local SPCA, or plant some trees in Capt. Casey’s honour.
“If you are not in a position to do any of the above, please simply kick back on your deck, crack open a local brew and turn the volume up on The Hip in her memory,” said the statement from Davis.
(via the Moose Jaw Police Service Facebook page)
