Trees for Life and Royal Canadian Air Force Celebrate RCAF’s 100th Anniversary with Tree Planting

Trees for Life, a national charity dedicated to planting native trees where Canadians live, work and play, has partnered with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on tree plantings across Canada to celebrate the RCAF’s 100th anniversary. Today, Trees for Life and the RCAF celebrated the centennial anniversary with a ceremonial planting of 100 trees at Downsview Park in Toronto, the final of six such events held across Canada in 2024. The event highlighted the RCAF’s legacy and honoured its contributions with a lasting, green tribute ahead of Remembrance Day.

The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, delivered remarks on the RCAF’s storied history and bright future, emphasizing the significance of this living memorial. She then joined cadets from North York’s 188 Cobra Squadron to plant a ceremonial tree before the cadets continued with the broader planting.

Mike Hurley, Executive Director, Trees for Life, comments:

“We got our start at Trees for Life by planting trees to honour Canadians that have served in the Armed Forces though the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign. To be a part of the RCAF Centennial celebrations is a huge honour and given our history, we’re incredibly proud to be part of celebrating this momentous occasion. What started as an idea to plant one commemorative grove of trees has blossomed into a movement that has now seen seven RCAF Centennial groves come to life. Planting 100 trees today with the cadets and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario may just be the perfect way to cap off this special year of collaboration with the RCAF and communities across Canada.”

This project is part of a larger national initiative – “Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial Groves,” which has seen Trees for Life and RCAF planting at several sites across the country. These groves feature a mix of trees, shrubs, tulips, and other plants, as well as landscaped elements to create beautiful public memorials in Toronto, ON; Calgary, AB; Ottawa, ON; Barrie, ON; Pennfield Ridge, NB; Charlottetown, PEI; and Sydney, NS. The seventh Trees for Life and RCAF planting project in Sydney will come in 2025. These Centennial Groves stand as enduring tributes to the RCAF’s 100 years of service and its promising future, and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities by enhancing green spaces across Canada.

“Generations of Canadian have served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with distinction over the past century. As we have celebrated the Centennial of the RCAF, it has been an honour and privilege to have worked with so many amazing communities, planting trees in commemoration of all the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada, at home and abroad,” said Captain Aaron Niles, Strategic Planner RCAF 2024. “The story of Your Air Force is one of courage and sacrifice that has shaped our nations history and heritage. Together, we honour our rich history, while also building towards a greener, more sustainable future that Canadians can enjoy in the centuries to come.”

The public can visit treesforlife.ca to make a donation and have a tree dedicated to heroes in the community. Honorees will receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community, and the positive impact on Canada’s green spaces for years to come.