11 Days of Rememberance: A Toast to the Wing

Those who know me could tell you that I spent seven years as an Air Cadet with the 779 Black Knight Squadron in Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada. During those years, much of my time was spent at the 447 Wing, R.C.A.F.A (Royal Canadian Air Force Association). But then, the Wing, as it was lovingly known to us, was 779 Squadron's sponsor, so of course we would be there all the time.

I have so many memories with the Wing. Any major event that the Squadron had or took part in was held in the Wing's Flag Room. By no means was it a huge hall, but it was large enough to house all of us cadets, along with our parents when the occasion called.

I remember going to my first Christmas Dance at the Wing, and seeing the Flag Room for the first time. The flags of many nations hung from the ceiling, while in amongst them were models of military aircraft, mostly of aircraft from the Second World War.

We also had so many meals in that Flag Room. Christmas Mess, spaghetti supper fundraisers, and our Annual Inspection after-party. It only made sense that we would have so many meals at the Wing. After all, it was originally an Officer's Mess during the Second World War.

I can still remember the last meal I had at the original 447 Wing. I had been asked to be a guest speaker for the Wing's Annual Air Force Dinner. To be asked was an honour, so I naturally said yes. My speech was prepared, and 20 minutes long, as requested. I remember giving the Wing much praise for what they had done for 779. A little flattery never hurt anyone. I can never forget the feeling of standing in front of a couple hundred men and women, most of whom were veterans themselves. The Master of Ceremonies had been cracking jokes all night, so I couldn't resist an impromptu ending to my speech with one of my own, after thanking those men and women first, of course.

"You men have set new standards for us ladies. After all, who wouldn't want to marry a military man? You can cook, clean, sew, makes beds, you're in good health, and the best part is you're already used to taking orders!"

The women roared with delight. The Wing's President high-fived me when I sat back down. He thought the joke was fantastic. My Commanding Officer, when he was finished laughing, made his way over to the head table to commend me.

So many memories. Alas, the original 447 Wing that I grew to love is no longer as it was demolished a few years ago. The new 447 is still located in Mount Hope, and it is quite nice, but it's not the same. The model aircraft are still there, but not in a grand hall in amongnst the flags of many nations. Still, though, I would like to do what had been done at many Christmas Dinners before, and what I myself had personally done.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to propose a toast to the 447 Wing... To the Wing!"


For more, please refer to my original 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries from November 2011.