Ref.: 9 August 2014 Natiobnal Peacekeepers Day
Hello my name is Frank. I retired from the Canadian Forces back in 1993. I started off in the infantry but injured my ankle and became an aero engine technician. I also ride a motorcycle.
I did a UN tour with 116 TU(Air Transport Unit) in Ismailia Egypt in 1977/78.
9 August is National Peacekeepers Day due to the fact the Syrians shot down UN flight 51 a Canadian Buffalo aircraft with the loss of 9 Canadian Peacekeepers on 9 August 1974. The aircraft was part of 116 ATU.
On 9 August 2009 the CWH (Canadian Warplane Heritage ) at Hamilton airport revealed a rebuilt Sudanese Buffalo aircraft that they did in UN colours as Canadian Buffalo 461.
I was invited to the event and it was quite a ceremony, 5 pipe banks, CWH and 424 Sqn fly overs, Gov General of Ontario etc. (5 of the killed were on detached posting from 424 sqn.)
With this 9 August being the 40 th Anniversary of the loss of Buffalo 461, I was looking into what had been planned.
to my shock nothing. So I approached CWH and wanted to do something myself.
Well now CWH will do a small event. I was just at CWH talking with them 5 June.
There are no specific details except that as a CWH takes a lot off me, no rental fees etc. But there would be the reduced group fee of $10 USD per person instead of the $12 USD normal fee. They have a canteen so food would be available.
CWH is having an another event that night and their will be people setting up for it.
Since I have only recently approached CWH and they have many volunteers , they have not had time for feedback as of yet. They specificly want input from the Buffalo restoration crew.
I have no experience organizing such an event so an glad CWH is taking over most of it. But an trying to spread the word.
I envisioned it as a motorcycle ride to Hamilton for different groups but not limited to motorcyclist or just veterans but anybody and all. I want to make it an educational event also asking CWH to try and get media involved through their marketing director.
So presently I have approached the CAV (Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle unit)for support and have had replies from two of their units. Plus sent out to Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command and some other Veteran motorcyclists.
But as I have not sorted out times or details with CWH I can't tell to much except to ask to see if that day is a day you could travel to CWH and support our Fallen
CWH will make up an invitation poster and I will pass it along when I get it. If you are not interested or busy that day maybe you could just pass the word around. Since I just brought this up with CWH there is nothing on the CWH website.
Thanks for listening.
If you have any suggestions or thoughts I am open to hear them.
Frank Sagi
St. Thomas ON.
takes another stab at building a more perfect flight stand.