On the eve of the RCAF Centennial year, the National Air Force Museum of Canada recently had its 28th annual Ad Astra Ceremony. At this year’s ceremony, the names of 107 Canadian air force personnel were dedicated in the RCAF Memorial Airpark; joining over 12,500 of their fellow service personnel whose legacy is preserved at the NAFMC.
“Every single stone has the name of a member who served but they not only tell the story of the person,” said Kevin Windsor – Executive Director of the National Air Force Museum. “They reflect the story of the family who too often have travelled or sacrificed to support that member as they served.”
The Ad Astra program was introduced in January 1996 by Major (Ret) Roy Skillicorn and developed by Colonel (Ret) “Cy” Yarnell. This project involves the installation of engraved markers along the walkways of the Airpark beside the National Air Force Museum of Canada. To date, more than 12,500 stones have been placed in the park, raising more than 1.1 million dollars for the Museum.
Bearing the words “Ad Astra” and adorned with an Air Force Roundel, the 6″ x 10″ gray, granite stones are inscribed with a person’s name, their hometown and province, and the years of birth and death (these dates are engraved only when the Museum is informed of the person’s passing). Information regarding service number, rank and decorations, does not appear on the stone but will be recorded in a Museum Register that also identifies the location of the stone in the Airpark.
According to Windsor, the outdoor ceremony once again was sunny and fair.
The cost of a stone is $200 and there is an application process to complete, and all new stones are dedicated at the annual ceremony in September. Applications can be submitted by Mail at: National Air Force Museum of Canada, P.O. Box 1000, 8Wing/CFB Trenton, Astra, ON K0K 3W0 or emailed to adastra@airforcemuseum.ca. Application Links: Ad Astra Stone Application EN and Ad Astra Stone Application FR.
Like many charitable museum organizations, the NAFM operates on admission tickets, donations from the community and with the assistance of area volunteers. Volunteers work on the restoration team, assist in the gift shop, with fundraising and take admittance tickets. They also act as docents, giving personal tours and sharing their connections to the items in the collection.
The museum is also actively seeking more volunteers to help with its Ad Astra program, where volunteers help administer the commemorative stones in the airpark.
For more information about the Museum, Ad Astra program or to volunteer call (613)965-7223.
Written by Alicia Vandine
