Senator Denise Batters delivered a speech recognizing Moose Jaw’s own Canadian Forces Snowbirds in honour of Canadian Armed Forces Day. During her address, she acknowledged the over 50 years the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron have served as the pride of Canada’s air force traditions and their service to the nation.
“The Snowbirds are a perfect icon of Canadian sovereignty and pride,” said Senator Batters.
“The squadron is a potent symbol of hope and freedom. The Snowbirds inspire us with soaring strength and elegance in a wide-open Prairie sky.”
Batters said the Snowbirds serve as source of inspiration for the country, highlighting a personal visit with the squadron in 2023, during which she witnessed a pre-show briefing.
“I felt an almost childlike excitement sitting in that room, listening to the pilots go through their flight choreography and aeronautics,” she explained.
“It is that sense of wonder that makes the Snowbirds such a powerful military recruitment tool. Although I don't anticipate becoming a pilot anytime soon.
That day, Snowbird 2 Captain Caitie Clapp told me she dreamed of becoming a Snowbird pilot at age 12. Inspired by a Snowbird performance under the leadership of commanding officer Maryse Carmichael, the Snowbird's first female pilot, how wonderful that these pilots are now in turn, further inspiration for a whole new generation of Canadians”
Earlier this year, Batters presented members of the Snowbirds team with King Charles III Coronation Medals, and she reflected on the experience during her speech.
“The snowbirds represent the very best of what it is to be Canadian. When I first told team lead Major Brent Handy that I wanted to present these medals to the Snowbirds team, he wondered immediately if there would be enough medals to include the entire larger team because he wanted all those team members that support the pilot so ably to receive recognition too,”
“I regret I had only a very limited number of medals available, but I think Major Handy’s request speaks volumes about how each Snowbirds team member is valued.”
The recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medals were:
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Major Brent Handy
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Captain Caitie Clapp
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Captain Patrick Charette
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Captain Brendan Pellow
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Captain Scott Boyd
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Captain Kyle Taylor
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Captain Thomas Thornton
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Captain Marc-André Plante
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Captain Patrice Powis-Clement
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Captain Richard MacDougall
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Captain Philip Rochon – Public Affairs Officer
Batters ended her tribute by saying:
“Now, on behalf of all Canadians, thank you to the entire Snowbirds team for inspiring us and for bringing Canadians together in a sense of unity and hope. May the snowbirds soar high for another 50 years.”
The Snowbirds will conduct an aerobatic display in Moose Jaw on July 12, click here to view their full 2025 schedule.