By Major R Gratton
A special monument was unveiled at Heroes Park in the city of Beaconsfield, Quebec. The Park’s mission is to honour our military, police, firefighter, paramedic and first responders and involves the local cadets and scouts during their ceremonies in order to promote the duty of memory with the new generation. The park was open in 2014 in the presence of his excellency the Governor General of Canada.
This monument was unveiled on Saturday, November 9th, 2019, in honor of the 60th anniversary of 690 Lakeshore Squadron to highlight the squadron's important contribution to the West Island of Montreal youth. The cadets range in age from 12 to 18.
690 squadron was founded in 1959, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and the Kinsmen Club of Pointe-Claire, in order to encourage young people in becoming good citizens and develop their interests in aeronautics. 690 squadron continues its mission today, with their 125 cadets and Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers, from the Canadian Forces Reserve.
The Cadet Program provides youth aged 12 to 18 with dynamic activities that promote physical fitness in a safe and rewarding environment. It is a free youth organization that aims to develop youthful citizenship and leadership skills while promoting good physical fitness and teamwork.
To this day, the squadron remains involved with veterans, the Royal Canadian Air Force Association and the legions of the West-Island. The cadets participate annually in the November 11th parade of the city of Beaconsfield at Heroes Park.
690 squadron has the reputation of being the "flying squadron" where young cadets have the opportunity to obtain their pilot's licence for gliders and single-engine aircrafts thanks to the flying scholarships offered by the Air Cadet League.
The devotion of civilian instructors and of parents involved on the administrative committee, as well as the support of many sponsors and friends are instrumental to the success of the movement. Over the past 60 years, we have welcomed the support of the following companies: Rolls Royce of Canada, Innotech Aviation, Skyservice and FEDNAV.
The monument is a propeller of the AVRO ANSON plane, a gift from the Montreal Aviation Museum. The ANSON was the standard trainer for Canadian and Commonwealth pilots during World War II. A plaque honouring the squadron achievement since its foundation stands in from of the monument.
This project was realized thanks to the contribution of the city of Beaconsfield and its employees, the National Field of Honor of the Last Post Fund, the Montreal Aviation Museum, 690 Squadron and FEDNAV.
