THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- The 12th Space Warning Squadron at Thule Air Base, Greenland, is a shining example of the strong relationship between the United States Air Force, United States Space Force, and Royal Canadian Air Force. While coalition teams work together every day to crush the missions of missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness, they also work together to ensure important holidays such as Veterans Day, or Remembrance Day, as it is referred to in Canada, are adequately honored. This past Remembrance Day, U.S. Air Force Capt. Antony Martel, Operations Support Flight, flight commander and RCAF Master Corporal Justin Roberge, 12 SWS Delta Crew crew chief, went out of their way to honor veterans by educating the Thule Air Base family, in a ceremony open to the entire installation, which includes Greenlandic, Danish, Canadian, and American citizens. In the two weeks leading up to the ceremony, Martel and Roberge highlighted the significance of Canada’s Remembrance Day and shed some light on the meaning behind the poppies RCAF members wear on their uniforms near their hearts.
Remembrance Day is a memorial day celebrated on the November 11th, in honor of the end of hostilities in World War I. Its intent is to honor the men and women who served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces in peace time and in war time. The National Remembrance Day Service is held annually at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Canada and includes a moment of remembrance, a RCAF fly-by, and a 21-gun salute.
The poppies hold great significance for Remembrance Day. They are worn to remember the people who died for their country and are often sold to raise money of charitable veterans’ organizations. This tradition began with Madame Guerin, a woman who raised funds for widows, orphans, veterans, and various charities in WWI. Poppy wreathes are often laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as other veteran memorials.
Martel and Roberge play critical roles in 12 SWS operations and operation support as well honoring this holiday.
The 12th Space Warning Squadron is incredibly proud to have Martel and Roberge strengthening the coalition military relationship and partnership through their hard work and dedication both in the squadron and across Thule Air Base.