A late veteran from Yarmouth is getting an incredible send-off.
Jim McRae passed away on April 9 at age 106.
He was the last veteran with the Distinguished Flying Cross from the Second World War.
McRae’s daughter Sue Amon says a restored Canso plane that he flew will be at the Yarmouth Airport.
“Dad couldn’t be here, but all the more reason to have the Canso come here, and remind us of their service, and their sacrifice for our freedom,” said Amon.
Bev Wieben, director of the Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society in Alberta says it’s been an incredible endeavour to get the plane to Nova Scotia.
“The plane is a community plane. We couldn’t have taken it out of the Arctic without that help all along. We like to bring the plane to people, so they can see it, touch it, and walk through it. We were hoping to have it here while Mr. McRae was still with us,” said Wieben.
There will be tours of the plane offered at the airport, the service begins at 10:30 on Friday and is open to the public.
McRae’s son James says his father will be there in spirit.
Wieben adds that they couldn’t have done this without support from the town, municipality, the legions in Yarmouth and Wedgeport, the 84th Independent Field Battery, and many local business sponsors.
A fly-over of the Canso aircraft over Yarmouth Harbour is scheduled for noon on Thursday.
