Behrends News

Behrends Bronze Inc. was extremely proud to have been chosen the manufacturer of the Cast bronze dedication plaques for the Airmens Memorial in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Message from the Premier

I am extremely honoured to participate in the unveiling of the Air Memorial statue at McDougall Center. This Memorial honours more that sixteen hundred aircrew from Alberta who have never before been properly acknowledged for giving their lives in the service of Canada, from 1939 to 1945.

These aircrew from Canada and Alberta were crucial in replacing the heavy losses from the Battle of Britain, without which England may not have survived the Second World War. We owe the airmen from Alberta an immense debt of gratitude.

I am very proud that McDougall Centre was chosen as the site for this Memorial since Calgary was the location of five vital components of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The prominent location given the Memorial also ensures that each and every visitor remembers, and can pause to pay their respects, to these courageous and selfless Albertans for the ultimate sacrifice they made for their country.

Ralph Klein
Premier

Message from the Mayor

On behalf of City Council and the people of Calgary, I am proud to participate in the dedication of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Memorial at McDougall Centre in Calgary.

This impressive monument honours the integral role our community played in the training of aircrew members who selflessly defended our freedom overseas and the ultimate sacrifice paid by more than 1600 Albertans.

The evocative figure of a lone airman captures for all time the youthful determination and courage these proud sons radiated against the dark days of war. Their immeasurable contribution will be remembered for as long as this monument stands.

I commend the volunteers, many of them veterans of the BCATP, for their efforts to ensure that younger generations learn Canada’s role in securing the skies over Europe during the Second World War.

Dave Bronconnier
Mayor, City of Calgary

Message from the Chairman

This memorial is a gift to the Province of Alberta, and is designed to honour the volunteer Alberta airmen who gave their lives in the service of their country during the Second World War, 1939-1945

These men were graduates of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which has been described by historians as a major contribution to the successful outcome of the War. The four-nation plan functioned entirely within Canada, and Calgary was an important centre with five components resident in our City.

The 17-foot bronze monument features an airman dressed in the flying uniform of the day, standing on a base with the names of those who died inscribed on three sides. It was our belief that these heroes should not be forgotten, and although nearly sixty years have passes, we remember their courage and dedication.

We hope that the monument will also remind our youth of the tragedy of war and their mission in life to live in peace.

We are grateful to the many people who made our mission possible.

Arthur R. Smith, O.C., A.O.E., D.F.C
Chairman

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