Chatham 75: From World War to Cold War – Ever Prepared, Never Forgotten!
Information and photos submitted by Kevin N. Anderson, CD, Retired Captain and Executive Director of the New Brunswick Aviation Museum
The New Brunswick Aviation Museum is hosting a reunion from July 8-10, 2016 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the opening of Royal Canadian Air Force Station/ Canadian Forces Base Chatham. The reunion is open to anyone who ever worked or trained there from 1941 until 1996, including former military and civilian personnel and their families. The reunion is also open to anyone who served at St. Margaret’s or Tracadie Air Range.
The two main activities, a Meet & Greet and Banquet/ dance, will take place at one of the old Quick Reaction Alert hangars along Highway 11, across from the former Visitor Information Centre. Guest Speaker for the dinner will be former Chief of Defence Staff and Chatham Base Commander, General (retired) Paul Manson, OC, OMM, CD. Other events tentatively scheduled are Miramichi River Boat Cruises, golfing, several mini reunions, a Memorial Service and more.
Accommodations have already been reserved in Miramichi for that weekend and details are in the registration package.
The Museum will be setting up an exhibit to showcase Chatham’s history and is looking for any photos, publications, newspapers, log books, badges/ crests, flight suits, helmets, uniforms or anything else related to Chatham. If you would like to donate items or get a registration package email or call Kevin at (506) 625-4925. For updates please like the Facebook page at Chatham75th. Space will be limited so register early.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (tentative)
FRIDAY – 8 JULY
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m: Registration desk open
5:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m: TGIF-style Meet and Greet at former QRA hangar (*Tickets required)
SATURDAY – 9 JULY
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m: River cruises @ Rodd Inn. Please be there at least 15 minutes before departure time.
7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m: Golf @ Miramichi Golf and Country Club. Be there 30 minutes prior to tee time.
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m: Registration desk open
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m: Mini reunions at various venues, New Brunswick Aviation Museum display
5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m: Banquet and dance at former QRA hangar (*Ticket required)
SUNDAY – 10 JULY
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m: Buffet brunch (optional)
1:00 p.m: Memorial service – Aviation Heritage Park
Note: This schedule of events will be updated, expanded and re-issued at the registration desk on July 8 and 9, 2016.
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