There is lots going on on Armed Forces Day at the CATPM! Read all about it below!
COMMONWEALTH AIR TRAINING PLAN MUSEUM TO HOST ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION FEATURING HISTORIC AIRCRAFT, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, HERITAGE FLIGHTS, AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES.
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum will welcome veterans, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, cadets, families, aviation enthusiasts, and visitors from across the Prairies for Armed Forces Day on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Held within the Museum’s historic 1941 Second World War training hangar at Brandon Municipal Airport, the event will combine living aviation history, military displays, family programming, heritage flights, STEM activities, and community partnerships in a day dedicated to honouring service – past and present.
Visitors can explore historic aircraft displays, meet military and community partners including representatives from CFB Shilo and 17 Wing, participate in Junior Pilots’ activities, and experience the atmosphere of a working wartime airfield brought to life. “This day is important not only here at the Museum, but across the country,” said Stephen Hayter, Executive Director of the CATPM. “Armed Forces Day gives Canadians an opportunity to recognize the service, sacrifice, and commitment of those who have worn the uniform. At the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, we stand in a place where thousands trained during the Second World War, and we are proud to continue sharing those stories with new generations.”
One of the event’s highlights will be the Museum’s Heritage Flight Experience program, with possible flying operations throughout the weekend, weather permitting. Flights aboard historic aircraft including the Harvard Mk II, Tiger Moth, Fleet Finch, and the Museum’s newest addition — the open-cockpit Boeing Stearman – will offer visitors the opportunity to experience aviation history in a truly unforgettable way. “There is something incredibly powerful about seeing these aircraft fly again,” said Jeff Bell, Chief Pilot. “These were machines built to train young aircrew during wartime, and when people step into one of these aircraft today, they are connecting directly with that history – the sound, the movement, the open sky. It becomes very real.”
The Museum will also host a large garage sale fundraiser featuring tools, workshop equipment, hardware, and materials from the John Balushak estate, with all proceeds supporting the Museum and its preservation work. “This fundraiser has become a wonderful community effort,” said Gib Bell, Head of the Junior Pilot Area. “There’s a little bit of everything, and every purchase helps support the Museum and the work being done to preserve this history for future generations.”
In addition to aviation and military displays, the Museum will host a Scale Model Builders Meet, Greet & Share event in the Canteen Building from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., inviting model builders of all skill levels to display their work, exchange techniques, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Models will also be available for purchase at the event.
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the 2026 summer season.
For more information about Armed Forces Day, Heritage Flight Experiences, or Museum programming, please contact the Museum at 204-727-2444 or follow the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum on social media (links in the site header).
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial 