The vigil at the Cobble Hill cenotaph on Friday, Oct. 22, will welcome a special guest in the sky.
A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron from 19 Wing Comox will conduct a flyby near the cenotaph, at around 11 a.m.
The vigil, started in 2014 by Cowichan’s Bob Collins and now an annual event, honours Canadian Armed Forces members who died while serving on Canadian soil.
“It is heartwarming to recognize these soldiers as the heroes that they truly are,” said Collins.
The aircraft will fly over at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest point of the flyby route, and maintain a higher altitude for the trip to and from their base at 19 Wing Comox, said a press release from 19 Wing Comox.
“Royal Canadian Air Force flybys are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety at all times,” the release continued. “Aircraft participation is subject to weather and operational requirements.”
The vigil begins at 6:28 a.m. on Friday and runs until 11 a.m. Saturday. On Friday at 10:45 a.m. the Malahat Legion will host a ceremony in front of the cenotaph. Those in attendance are reminded to follow COVID protocols.