Editorially speaking…
It took several attempts because of engine trouble (she hadn’t flown in almost 20 years) but the Philippine Mars has reached her final home at the Pima Air and Space Museum, Arizona.
The Philippine Mars, wearing her original US Navy llivery at her former base at Sproat Lake. She’ll find the weather warmer in Arizona. —Courtesy Andrew Waldegrave
Like her last surviving sister, Hawaii Mars, now at her forever home in the BC Aviation Museum, Sidney, she made the last stage of her journey overland. The former water bombers will now intrigue visitors for generations to come.
The Hawaii Mars in her Macmillan Bloedel colours. —Andrew Waldegrave
What a legacy! It’s said they each dropped 50 million gallons of water on forest fires while on the job in B.C. Here in the Cowichan Valley, we owe it to the Hawaii Mars for having saved the venerable Kinsol Trestle from the work of an arsonist, years ago.
May both these ladies enjoy well-earned retirement and be feted by future generations.
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The Canadian Press recently reported that “a school division in western Manitoba has decided to once again include God Save the King in its schools’ morning announcements”. Some people questioned “whether it promotes reconciliation efforts with Indigenous staff and students”.
I’ll leave that for the good folks of Winnipeg to decide.
The news items brought back memories for me of my high school days when a handful of students balked at singing God Save the Queen during “assembly” in the auditorium. Why? Because they were Canadians who shouldn’t have to kowtow to British royalty. (I must confess, I was one of the infidels.)
Mind you, we had to be discreet as Mr. M, our English and phys-ed teacher was a fiery Geordie (“Settl-doon!’), intensely and loudly loyal to the Crown. So, when came the day in the auditorium that Dave P. refused to stand for God Save the Queen, we expected all hell to break loose.
When Dave remained seated despite Mr. M repeatedly ordering him to stand, we were sure that his oft-displayed temper would get the better of him and woe betide Dave.
But what could Mr. M do besides rage, all but swear while foaming at the mouth—and have it in for Dave for the rest of the term?
That was most of a lifetime ago. My point is, having spent my working career researching, writing about and trying to promote Canadian history, I’ve come to feel more and more to believe that, the royal family aside, our being a member of the British Commonwealth is a positive thing in this divided world.
I’m proud to be a Canadian of English and Scottish heritage, something that Mr. Trump has forcibly reminded me of in the past month. 51st state? Not bloody likely!
—wallpapercave.com
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I recently told you about Victoria’s outrageous town crier of old, John Butts, King of Knaves. Coincidentally, ‘Greater Victoria’s’ most recent town crier, Kenny Podmore, retired after 25 years. He was so emotional that he stumbled during his farewell proclamation, something he’d rarely done since he “landed on Sidney shores” in 1998.
He concluded his farewell speech by saying he’d had a ball.
So, too, I’m sure, did John Butts, a century and a-half ago.
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The spirit of history is alive and well in Port Alberni where history buffs are fighting to save the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Museum from demolition. This was the announced intention of City Council because their existing building needs a new roof and painting.
Enthusiastic volunteers managed to convince Council that they’ll be able to find a way to bring the building up to spec without the need to raise taxes. “We’re gong to try to exhaust all options for the [existing] building first, and then look at if the building is not salvageable, the collection needs to move,” said PA Councillor Charles Mealey.
Here’s hoping!
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