A makeshift memorial has started at the Kamloops Airport perimeter, just off Tranquille Road, after a member of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team was killed in a crash on Sunday afternoon.
Organizer Andrea Holt tells NL News that people in the neighborhood wanted to do something to show their support to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and to their families.
“Our school (Parkcrest Elementary) burnt down and a whole bunch of people came and did this around our school and I thought it would be great if this was done here to show the appreciation and the love for [the Snowbirds] because that’s what they were trying to do for us,” Holt said.
“It’s been really hard.”
After flying into Kamloops yesterday, the Snowbirds aerobatics team were scheduled to head to Kelowna today as part of Operation Inspiration, which was aimed at boosting the morale of Canadians as they continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tour has been delayed ‘indefinitely’ as a result of today’s crash, with the Canadian Armed Forces also saying the CT-114 Tutor fleet has also been put on an operational pause.
“Hopefully everyone will see it and let the Snowbirds and their families know that we are thinking about them,” Holt added.
A few neighbours in the area will also be drumming along Airport Road at 1 p.m. tomorrow, May 18, according to organizer Patricia Noelle.
“It is to honor Captain [Jenn] Casey, and to show support for the entire Snowbird family,” she told NL News. “It’s the least we can do.”
– With files from Jon Keen
Memorial has started just off Tranquile Rd at airport perimeter. Local organizers from Brock invite everyone from the city to come and post a heart to show support. #Kamloops @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/wjqAHQoJXE
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) May 18, 2020
