The CAF's 50th Anniversary Celebration & National Patriotic Rally
In 50 years the CAF has never had a convention; a significant showing of membership in the same place at the same time. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, it seemed appropriate that we crown our achievements with a National Patriotic Rally of truly CAF proportions. If we could gather, programs could be designed and distributed that offer strategic tools for sustained growth. A convention would provide the golden opportunity to renew the spirit of those dedicated to the mission of the CAF and its programs. And so it began. And then a theme began to emerge…”Let Freedom Ring”.
After all, since 1957 the CAF has been the world’s driving force in the preservation of military aviation. Not just a repository of old warplanes, these “national treasures” serve a very important purpose in the national perspective; to remind the world what conflict has taught us about preparedness, sacrifice, honor, respect, constancy of purpose, and about ourselves…as a nation. As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is always one generation from extinction”. Then there was the advice Thomas Jefferson left us when he said, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” Advice we tend to forget.
So, in light of these prophetic statements the CAF endeavors to combine two outstanding and compelling reasons for all to gather together – to celebrate the CAF’s 50 years as the greatest flying museum the world has ever seen and publicly rally to show the world we are not divided as a nation. This is a golden opportunity to reinvigorate the patriotism of a nation fueled in a show of force and a demonstration of nationalism. LET FREEDOM RING.