Battle of Britain veterans honoured at ceremony

Hundreds gathered for the National Battle of Britain Ceremony on Sunday at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum to honour those who fought and died.

The Battle of Britain is recognized as the first battle to be won by air power.

The event included WWII veterans, like Harold Holand, who fought in Burma during the war.

“We were young back then, we were ready to face anything that came, and we took our chances. I lost lots of friends during the war,” Holland said.

The battle, which ran from July to October 1940, involved nearly 3000 aircrew, plus those who worked on the ground. It is described as a turning point in the Second World War.

There were more than 100 Canadians who flew in this battle.

“We remember those we lost during that key battle, but it also inspires us and really speaks to our current military and values, our courage, loyalty and dedication,” said Maj.-Gen Al Meizinger, Deputy Commander in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The ceremony, including the parade, takes places on the third Sunday in September.

This year marks the 76^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.