British Columbia Dragoons plaque unveiled at YLW
| Recognizing National Day of Honour
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The National Day of Honour was recognized at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) on Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. with a plaque presentation by the British Columbia Dragoons, the first and only Canadian Military Unit in the Okanagan. “The BC Dragoons have a long history in the Okanagan and close ties to YLW,” said Chair of the Airport Advisory and City of Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray. “This regiment was a part of the original airport terminal building dedication in 1968; as well, many members of this unit have been deployed on United National and NATO missions through YLW, including 32 men and women to the War in Afghanistan.” The National Day of Honour was designated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in recognition and commemoration of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan. More than 100 people came out to YLW for the dedication ceremony by the BC Dragoons, including Ron Cannan Member of Parliament for Kelowna Lake Country, many former and retired members of the Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Legion and airport tenants. The plaque will be mounted in the airport arrivals area near the BC Dragoon stone sculpture, Coming Home. Coming Home was presented to the City of Kelowna on May 14, 2011 by the British Columbia Dragoons in honour of the regiment’s centennial celebrations. Kelowna International Airport was proudly chosen as the placement for display and Coming Home is listed in the City’s Public Art collection. The theme of the artwork is a solider returning home to the Okanagan from a tour overseas and his child running into his arms in an embrace. The British Columbia Dragoons is a Reserve Armoured Regiment based in Kelowna and Vernon. The Dragoons earned 12 battle honours in the Second World War and has also provided individual members and formed sub-units to the Regular Force for United Nations operations. For more information on YLW, visit the airport’s official website ylw.kelowna.ca Links: Photos from the dedication ceremony at YLW
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