News and Events for the Bay Area Canadian Community

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A newsletter from a fellow Canadian organization in the Bay Area.

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If looks could kill: Arthur Currie, Pete Hegseth and the meaning of military toughness

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An item from the Legion Magazine.
Weekly Feature
Observation Post

General Arthur Currie decorates a Canadian officer with the Distinguished Service Order in September 1917. [DND/LAC/3362394]

If looks could kill: Arthur Currie, Pete Hegseth and the meaning of military toughness

STORY BY RICHARD FOOT

General Arthur Currie was no matinee idol. Portly and jowly, he had neither the face nor the form of the dashing, broad-shouldered Hollywood stereotype.

None of that mattered, of course. Currie’s physical appearance had no bearing whatsoever on his success in leading the Canadian Corps—four divisions of hardened shock troops, 100,000 strong—during the final years of the First World War.

That success, under Currie, included the Corps’ string of 1918 victories in the celebrated Hundred Days battles at Amiens, Arras and Mons.

“The Canadian general, who stood almost 6 feet 3 inches tall and bulged in his uniform at over 250 pounds, had an agile mind and was continually studying the challenges of trench warfare,” historian Tim Cook wrote. “He gathered together an effective staff and encouraged learning from victories and failures in battle.”

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Latest Stories

World War Three: A prominent historian offers a warning—and a way out—of approaching calamity

When Canada’s Margaret MacMillan speaks, it’s wise to listen. That’s especially true when MacMillan—a pre-eminent conflict historian—warns that the present is looking unnervingly like the

Remembering 9/11: Three stories of loss—and love

Twenty-five years ago this week, the world was turned upside down by the horror of 9/11. Here are three stories from that day, in which

Give Them Shit

Sergeant Clarence Kenneth Crockett leads a section of The Calgary Highlanders across Belgium’s Albert Canal in a small but critical moment of the Scheldt Campaign
Maple Fudge
The Briefing
The Briefing

A diver holds the ensign of the Royal Canadian Navy by the wreck of HMCS Canada during a 2025 expedition. [Courtesy Joseph Frey]

Author Karen Farrington on Allied PoWs escaping through Italy in WW II

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

Ernest Hemingway had a hand in leading scuba diver Joseph Frey to the wreck of HMCS Canada—though the famed novelist could hardly have known it.

In 1928, the American author sought sanctuary in the Florida Keys, likely unaware that just two years earlier—on July 2, 1926—a former flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy had sunk off the coast.

Nor was Frey, a self-described “Hemingway aficionado,” privy to such facts when he followed in the footsteps of his literary hero decades later—at least not at first.

“I always went down to Hemingway Home in Key West for a tour,” explained the military veteran of 21 years, “and one time, I noticed that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—NOAA—had an office in Key Largo.”

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More from The Briefing

Author Karen Farrington on Allied PoWs escaping through Italy in WW II

When Canadian captives Raymond Sherk and Don McLarty saw an opportunity to escape Camp 78, a prisoner-of-war facility in the central Italian region of Abruzzo,

Author Matthew Walthert on the life of hockey star and Great War soldier Scotty Davidson

For 90 years, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial has stood above the Douai Plain of northern France, its soaring towers a testament to 11,285 unfinished

MP Fred Davies on efforts to formally recognize Fenian Raid fatalities

Member of Parliament Fred Davies, who has represented the Niagara South riding in Ontario since 2025, is among the first to admit that the Ridgeway

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You’re invited: Red, White & Brews

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A reminder that the 2026 season will be the last time the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be using their Candair CT-114 Tutor aircraft, and the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21) won’t ready until the early 2030s (see Government of Canada to procure new aircraft for the iconic Canadian Forces Snowbirds).  So be sure to catch this second last Snowbird performance for the next 3-5 years.

Note that this event occurs the Thursday before the actual airshow, where you can meet some of the pilots – including some of the Snowbirds.

Would you like an opportunity to meet the USAF Thunderbirds and some of the best pilots in the world with a side of family fun?

You’re invited to the “Red, White and Brews” event to welcome this year’s performers and kick off Airshow weekend! This FREE, family-friendly event takes place Thursday, October 8th from 18:00 TO 21:00 at Modern Aviation’s Hangar One.

All ages are welcome to join us in celebrating the arrival of this year’s performers, including the USAF Thunderbirds, RCAF Snowbirds and many more.

Google Maps to Modern Aviation MHR

Rock out to live music with All Hat No Cattle, a Sacramento-based country band known for blending original music with crowd favorite covers. Their influences span all generations of country music delivering high-energy performances that keep audiences dancing.

Wristbands & the Food Truck Rodeo

Grab dinner from a variety of food trucks that will be on site with delicious bites for purchase, featuring Fry Boys, Hefty Gyro, Authentic Street Tacos, and The Mini Donut Shack.

Guests 21 and older can participate in the Brew Fest by purchasing a $40 wristband (on-site) for unlimited tastings from 12 local breweries and distilleries.

Kids 12 and under are encouraged to show their patriotic spirit in celebration of America’s 250th! Come dressed as an American icon, your favorite pilot or aviation team—or anything red, white and blue—for a patriotic costume contest, with prizes for the top three costumes! Adults can join in the fun too!

But that’s not all, kids of all ages are welcome to get up close to some of our performer’s aircraft in our Pet-A-Plane area, plus enjoy family-friendly games, and meet Airshow performers.

Have a great day!

“Az”

Your California Capital Air Show Insider

P.S. – September ticket discounts end Wednesday the 30th at 11:59 PM PT. Be sure to secure your spot and save; just click below:

*All fees included.

2026 California Capital Airshow

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with the

United States Air Force Thunderbirds

and the

Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds!

October 10-11, 2026

Gates Open at 12:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)

Sacramento Mather Airport – KMHR

Presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova

California Capital Airshow | (916) 876-7568 | insider@californiacapitalairshow.com | https://CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com/
California Capital Airshow | 10425 Norden Avenue | Mather, CA 95655 US

Blessing of the Fleet Interfaith Service at the Presidio Chapel

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At this stage it does not look like there will be any Canadian ships in port for Fleet Week.  But members in the area may still wish to attend.