COLD LAKE — Veterans, military members, families and residents gathered at Cenotaph Park in Cold Lake to mark the 86th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, remembering the Canadians who helped defend the skies over Britain during one of the most pivotal campaigns of the Second World War.

This year’s ceremony carried an added local significance. The newly completed Veterans Memorial Park Mural along 10 Street was finished just the night before, creating a new commemorative approach to the cenotaph as the community gathered for Sunday’s service.

Members of 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake joined veterans, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211 members, municipal representatives and residents for the ceremony.

From Dunkirk to the Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain followed the evacuation at Dunkirk and the fall of France in 1940, when Britain faced the threat of a German invasion.

For an invasion to succeed, Germany first needed to establish air superiority over Britain. The Royal Air Force and Allied aircrews prevented that from happening.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Golding, Acting 4 Wing Commander, spoke during the Cold Lake ceremony about the dramatic change between Dunkirk, which exposed how unprepared the Allies had been for the speed of the German advance, and the Battle of Britain only weeks later.

The battle demonstrated that an enemy that had appeared unstoppable could be stopped.

Canadians were among those who took to the skies.

More than 100 Canadian pilots participated in the Battle of Britain, flying with No. 1 Squadron RCAF and Royal Air Force squadrons. An estimated 300 Canadians also served as groundcrew, helping keep aircraft operational throughout the campaign.

Twenty-three Canadian pilots lost their lives.

The participation of No. 1 Squadron was particularly significant in Canadian military history, marking the first time an RCAF squadron entered combat as a unit during the Second World War.

History hits close to home in Cold Lake

For a community with such a close connection to the Royal Canadian Air Force, the history commemorated Sunday remains particularly relevant.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr, who also serves as Alberta’s Military Liaison, attended the ceremony and laid a wreath.

“Standing alongside members of today’s Royal Canadian Air Force in Cold Lake made that history feel particularly close,” Cyr said. “The aircraft and technology have changed dramatically, but the commitment to service, readiness and defending Canada continues from one generation to the next.”

Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice, M.D. of Bonnyville Deputy Reeve Ben Fadeyiw and Honorary Colonel Greg Hamel were also among those attending, along with municipal councillors from around the region.

New mural completed in time for ceremony

Sunday’s ceremony also offered the community one of its first opportunities to see the completed Veterans Memorial Park Mural.

Stretching along 10 Street in front of Cenotaph Park, the mural uses differently coloured maple leaves to represent Canada’s military service and the environments in which Canadians have served.

Red represents courage and sacrifice, light blue represents the Royal Canadian Air Force, navy blue the Royal Canadian Navy and green the Canadian Army. White, beige and brown represent the Arctic, desert and earth.

Cyr said having the mural completed immediately before the ceremony added another layer of meaning to the commemoration.

“It creates a meaningful approach to Cenotaph Park and is a lasting reminder that remembrance is not confined to a single day each year, but is woven into the community we all share,” he said.

Remembering ‘The Few’

The ceremony also reflected on one of the most enduring phrases associated with the Battle of Britain.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said during the battle, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Those words were featured prominently in the Cold Lake commemorative program.

Eighty-six years later, the aircraft flying from Cold Lake are generations removed from those that defended Britain in 1940. But in a city where military members remain neighbours, friends and family, Sunday’s ceremony connected that history to a community still closely tied to Canada’s air force.

Cyr thanked Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211, Golding, members of 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake and residents who attended the ceremony.

“We will not forget. Nous n’oublions jamais.”