Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial

Recognizing Canada’s contributions

1 April 2024 marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a distinct military element.

This year, the RCAF is honouring it’s distinct heritage.

To learn more about the centennial, visit the RCAF 2024 webpage.

Events in Canada

Veterans Affairs Canada will host events throughout 2024 to recognize the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100 years of service and honour the sacrifices and achievements of their members.

Looking for more events? Check out the RCAF 2024 Centennial’s events webpage!

February 2-19
Winterlude
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada remembers the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Learn about the 100 years of trailblazing and heroic achievements of Royal Canadian Air Force members, and take in the beautiful ice sculptures. The exhibit highlights important dates and people that shaped the RCAF into what it is today.

You’ll find the exhibit near the National War Memorial.

March 20 – mid-August
Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada remembers the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Learn more about the 100 years of trailblazing and heroic achievements of Royal Canadian Air Force members. Check out the commemorative exhibit at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.

June 6
80^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

On 6 June 1944, the Royal Canadian Air Force flew as part of the Allied squadrons during D-Day operations. Their actions played an important role in the Allied success. In June 2024, we will commemorate the 80^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, with events in Canada and overseas.

Check out our webpage to learn more about plans to mark this key anniversary.

Events in France

March 20 – June 16
Vimy Visitor Education Centre, Canadian National Vimy Memorial
Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France

Canada remembers the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Learn about the 100 years of trailblazing and heroic achievements of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) members at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The exhibit highlights important dates and people that shaped the RCAF into what it is today.

You’ll find the exhibit at the Vimy Visitor Education Centre.

Partner Activities

Through the Commemorative Partnership Program, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides funding to organizations undertaking remembrance initiatives. Check out events or activities related to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100 years of service that VAC has helped fund!

May 10-20
Canadian Tulip Festival
Ottawa, Ontario

This year the Canadian Tulip Festival will commemorative the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The festival will feature a variety of presentations and activities, including the nightly Operation Manna Sound and Light Show.

Pathway to the stars: Tales of rescue podcast series

Royal Canadian Air Force members have a long and proud history of taking part in military search and rescue operations. This project celebrates their great courage and devotion to duty. Stories are based on actual events from a century of history in the RCAF. These podcasts are available on the RCAF’s Foundation’s website,  Spotify,  Google and  Apple. Each episode is about 20 minutes long.