CHESTERVILLE — Look up late this afternoon as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds fly over Cornwall and SDG on their way to Ottawa.
Starting in Halifax Nova Scotia last week, the nine-jet team is on its way across the country in formation on a national morale-boosting mission. ‘Operation Inspiration’ salutes Canadians “doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19.”
The Snowbirds’ famous formation is due to over-fly South Glengarry and Cornwall at 4:30, proceeding northwest on a path to Ottawa that should ensure that many people on the ground in Stormont, Dundas and Russell counties also catch a glimpse of the planes before they arrive in the Nation’s Capital at 5:15 p.m.
“Every year, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds travel the country putting smiles on the faces of Canadians,” said Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force. “While Canadians may not be able to gather at air shows for now, we’re honoured to bring the Snowbirds team to Canadians and to pay special tribute to them.”
“We’ve been asked to do what we do best… inspire Canadians,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. “Through Operation INSPIRATION, we not only want to salute the front-line health-care workers, first responders, and essential workers, but also all Canadians doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We want Canadians to know we’re in this with you.”