Edmonton Salutes the Troops
Thursday July 23, 2009
Anthony Druett

On several occasions last fall, drivers approaching Edmonton’s southern limits on the Q.E.II Highway may have been surprised to see fire engines parked at conspicuous locations on the overpasses and along the highway.  If they had looked up at the sky they may also have noticed an unmarked airliner descending into the International Airport closely escorted by two CF 18 fighter jets.

These are just two aspects of the “Welcome Home” given to troops returning to Edmonton from overseas missions.  As the flight from Europe enters into Alberta airspace it is met by the CF 18’s from CFB Cold Lake.  Once the troops have landed and cleared customs they are greeted by a delegation offering them the traditional Canadian welcome of Tim Horton’s coffee and donuts.  They then pile into buses which are given a VIP police escort across the City.  97 Street leading to the base at Namao has become known as the Yellow Ribbon Route.  The trees and lamp standards lining this route are ringed with yellow ribbons.

From the first appearance of the CF 18’s on the wingtips of the airliner, to the final departure of the police escort once its convoy has arrived at the Base at Namao, the troops are given the message that we Albertans are proud of them, and are pleased to see them return home safely.

The welcome given by the City to its returning troops is coordinated by the Edmonton Salutes Committee.  This committee is comprised of thirty members representing various aspects of the business community, different levels of government, and military units associated with the City.  In addition to greeting the returning troops the committee organizes or coordinates several other initiatives.  The overall objective is to pay tribute to our military personnel and their families, and to build on the historic ties between the City, the surrounding communities, and the military units that have been based here or have connections with the City.

While the details of each returning flight cannot be publicized for security reasons, the City as a whole will have an opportunity to show its appreciation for our troops and support for their families on July 24th 2009 – RED FRIDAY.  On that day, which is also the last Friday of Capital Ex, the Edmonton Salutes Committee is inviting all citizens of the City and the surrounding communities to wear red in honour of our troops.

In the lead up to this event Mayor Stephen Mandel will issue a proclamation declaring July 24th to be RED FRIDAY and inviting all citizens to show their support for our military personnel.  Red shirts will be available for purchase at various venues throughout the City.  On RED FRIDAY there will be a flag unveiling and military band performance in Sir Winston Churchill Square between 12:00 noon and 1:00pm and anyone in the downtown area is invited to attend this free event.  However, it is hoped that citizens throughout the entire Edmonton region will wear red, whether at work, attending Capital Ex or the Indy, or whatever else they are doing on July 24th -  RED FRIDAY.

-- Anthony Druett

Column ID#: 109

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