Tribute ceremony evokes inspirational spirit of Capt. Jennifer Casey and the Snowbirds

The Royal Canadian Legion in Kamloops held a tribute ceremony to honour the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Thursday morning (May 21).

“This tribute is to the memory of Capt. Jennifer Casey, public affairs officer with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds,” former Legion President Craig Thomson said from the podium. “As well, we are here to express our thoughts to the recovery of Capt. Richard MacDougall, Snowbird 11.”

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 began planning a way to pay their respects on Monday, one day after the crash that killed Capt. Casey and injured Capt. MacDougall.

Initially, the event was to be open to the public, but it was closed due to concerns over the ability to restrict numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were trying to keep less than 50 in the inner circle, which we did,” said Legion President Daniel Martin. “I think we did a pretty good job maintaining social distancing. But the public, some people did show up, but they were on the other side of the road, and the RCMP did an awesome job for us keeping the traffic low and putting them on the other side.”

Many who are now mourning the death of Capt. Casey are the same people who marvelled at the sight of the Snowbirds as they flew over Kamloops Saturday.

The flight was part of a cross-country tour meant to lift the spirits of Canadians.

“I was talking with the (executive officer) of the Snowbirds the other night and he told me that Operation Inspiration was the idea, the brainchild of Capt. Casey,” said Rocky Mountain Ranger Padre Capt. Steve Filyk. “It was her idea to fly across the country to salute the care workers, to unite us during this very difficult time.”

Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian offered sympathies to the family and friends of Capt. Casey and promised to honour the Snowbirds in due time.

“At a time suitable, the City of Kamloops will create a memorial to recognize the contribution of the Snowbirds,” he said. “They’re cherished Canadian icons that have been with us for 50 years.”

News of a memorial is welcomed by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Some members remain in Kamloops for the preliminary investigation into the tragic crash.

“Because there had been rumblings about this over the last few days, the Snowbirds lead I had been in touch with and I had mentioned it to him and he said how humbled and how touched the team was to hear that,” said Spokesperson Alexandra Hejduk. “They said they think it’s an absolutely fitting thing to do, whatever is done.”

For Kamloops residents, Capt. Jennifer Casey will not be forgotten, nor will the message of inspiration she and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds sought to bring to the nation.