aviation

9 articles

Mar7

2008What town dedicated to remembrance appointed itself as the official 'Center of the World'?

Nestled in California’s Imperial County, Felicity is a unique town brought to life by French-American visionary Jacques-André Istel, who declared it the ‘Center of the World.’ Entirely devoted to the preservation of history and remembrance, Felicity features an outdoor Museum of History in Granite, with over a thousand monumental panels designed to endure for 4,000 years. Officially recognized as the Center of the World by the French government in 1989, Felicity also commemorates March 7 as Saint Felicity Day, marking the anniversary of its Church on the Hill of Prayer, dedicated in 2008. Visitors entering Felicity are greeted by a colossal bronze sundial fashioned after Michelangelo’s ‘Arm of God,’ pointing the way to this extraordinary celebration of memory and legacy.

Sep2

1998What is the significance of Swissair Flight 111?

Swissair Flight 111, en route from New York to Geneva, tragically crashed into St. Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia, on September 2, 1998, resulting in the loss of all 229 people aboard. The disaster prompted a four-year investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which cited flammable aircraft materials as a key factor in the uncontrollable onboard fire. Uniquely, the memorials at Whalesback and Bayswater were designed to echo the triangular relationship between the crash site and the two shoreline communities most involved in the recovery. Visitors to these memorials can find the names of all those lost and reflect on the recovery efforts undertaken by residents of Peggy’s Cove and Blandford.

Feb16

1998What is the largest bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere?

The MGM Grand Lion, towering above the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas, Nevada, holds the record as the largest bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere. Commissioned during a $250 million renovation of the MGM Grand in the mid-1990s, the 45-foot-tall, 50-foot-long bronze lion was created to honor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s iconic mascot while respecting diverse cultural beliefs. Crafted from 1,660 bronze panels and weighing a staggering 50 tons, the sculpture was unveiled on February 16, 1998, and now stands as one of the most photographed landmarks on the Las Vegas Strip. The lion’s presence not only marks a feat of artistry and engineering but also a fascinating moment of cultural adaptation in the history of Las Vegas.

Feb17

1993What is the difference between a 'static' and a 'living' memorial?

The United States Aircraft Carrier Memorial, located at San Diego’s historic Old Navy "Fleet Landing" across from the USS Midway, serves as a powerful example of a 'living' memorial. Unlike static memorials that remain unchanged, the Aircraft Carrier Memorial continues to evolve, engraining the names of every U.S. Navy aircraft carrier—currently 165 in total—honoring not only the ships, but all who served aboard them. The memorial was unveiled on February 17, 1993, in front of more than 1,000 veterans and families, and features a striking nine-foot polished black granite obelisk alongside two life-size bronze sculptures. The ongoing addition of carriers—ranging from the USS Langley, commissioned in 1920, to the USS Ronald Reagan in 2003—ensures that this site remains a place of active remembrance and education for generations to come.

Sep29

1984What military memorial is considered one of the most controversial pieces of Canadian art?

Per Ardua ad Astra, also known as the Canadian Airman's Memorial, stands along University Avenue in Toronto as one of the most controversial pieces of Canadian public art. Created by renowned sculptor Oscar Nemon and unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on September 29, 1984, the striking modernist monument honors Royal Canadian Air Force members, including the seven airmen awarded the Victoria Cross in the World Wars. Almost immediately after its installation, the memorial became a lightning rod for criticism, both for its abstract design and because it was placed on a plinth against the artist’s wishes. Notably, after vandals spray-painted it with the phrase "Gumby goes to Heaven," the nickname stuck, cementing its unique—and divisive—place in Canadian art history.

Sep21

1945What is the significance of the Battle of Britain to Canada?

The Battle of Britain Monument on the Victoria Embankment in London stands as a powerful tribute to the airmen who defended Britain during the pivotal air campaign of 1940, including more than one hundred Canadians. Canada's participation marked its first deployment of an expeditionary air force in coalition combat, with No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron playing a vital role in the Allied defense. Of the Canadian airmen who fought, 23 lost their lives, and three were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their bravery. The monument’s plaques not only inscribe the names of 112 Canadians but also highlight the multinational solidarity that made victory possible, a legacy commemorated each September since its unveiling on the 65th anniversary in 2005.

May5

1945What is connection between Canada’s capital, tulips, and the Liberation of the Netherlands?

In Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Tulip Festival transforms the city each spring into a vibrant sea of flowers, honouring a unique bond between Canada and the Netherlands. This annual celebration marks both the critical role Canadian troops played in the 1945 liberation of the Netherlands and the extraordinary gesture of gratitude from the Dutch royal family, who sent tens of thousands of tulips as thanks for sanctuary during World War II. Today, more than 35,000 tulips brighten Beechwood Cemetery’s botanical gardens alone, while visitors and photographers from around the world gather to capture their beauty and reflect on sacrifices made decades ago. In 2025, the 73rd festival will also commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Netherlands’ liberation, keeping the legacy of friendship and peace blooming for new generations.

Sep12

1914Which Second World War fighter pilot successfully completed the flight testing of Canada's first supersonic aircraft in 1958?

Janusz Zurakowski, a legendary Polish-Canadian test pilot based in Malton, Ontario, was the first to successfully flight test Canada’s pioneering supersonic aircraft, the CF-105 Avro Arrow, in 1958. Renowned for his skill and courage, Zurakowski helped propel Canadian aviation onto the world stage at a crucial moment in Cold War history. On March 25, 1958, he piloted the Arrow RL 25201 prototype beyond 1,600 kilometers per hour, proving the viability of the country’s most advanced jet. Today, his legacy endures in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, where a statue and park honor his singular contributions to aeronautical innovation.

Jan23

1897Who is the Canadian-born master spy to whom Winston Churchill gave the code name 'INTREPID'?

Sir William Samuel Stephenson, born in Winnipeg, Canada, became one of the most influential spymasters of the 20th century and was given the codename 'INTREPID' by Winston Churchill himself. Renowned for his vital role in British intelligence during World War II, Stephenson covertly ran the British Security Coordination in New York, shaping crucial alliances between the U.S. and Britain. A decorated war hero, inventor, and industrialist, he survived being shot down and held as a prisoner of war in 1918, later earning accolades like the Military Cross and the U.S. Presidential Medal for Merit. His legacy lives on through memorials, scholarships, and even a street bearing his name in his hometown, Winnipeg.