EDMONTON — The City of Edmonton has declared this week “Royal Canadian Air Force Week” in recognition of the city’s relationship with the air force.
Events will be held throughout the week, including Monday morning when City Councillor Bev Esslinger proclaimed RCAF Week in Edmonton. The proclamation was held at the Alberta Aviation Museum where the Battle of Britain exhibit opened.
The High Level Bridge will be lit up in RCAF colours.
The week will culminate Sunday when the city will honour eight veterans by naming streets in the Village of Griesbach, formerly a military site, after them. A 10-metre high monument will also be unveiled.
Bob Morgan, who was an Air Force pilot for 36 years, is one of those veterans who will be honoured by the city. While stationed in France in 1955, Morgan rescued a pilot from a burning plane that had crashed.
“I remember the aircraft bursting into flames and it went by me, and I ran to the airplane,” he said.
Morgan broke the canopy and pulled the unconscious pilot to safety.
“They said the aircraft is on fire. They said the ammunition was going off. I don’t remember that,” he added.
For his efforts, the Governor General gave Morgan the George Medal for bravery.
Morgan said he’s honoured to be recognized by the city.
“It’s amazing and shocking to have it happen. I never, ever expected something like that.”
With files from Fletcher Kent, Global News.