Lessons at a Dartmouth, N.S. elementary school reached new heights today as it marked the first-ever Canadian Forces Celebration Days.
The event is meant to recognize children with parents in the military and today students at Crichton Park Elementary were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime show and tell.
All eyes were on members of the Royal Canadian Air Force as they landed a Sea King on the school's field.
"You could feel the wind from the playground," said one student.
The landing was part of a drill, included in the crew's mandated training schedule.
"We have a lot of family in our community with a connection to the military, so we thought it would be a really unique opportunity for the kids," says school principal Cheryl Highmore.
The day was extra special for two of the students. Mary Jacqueline Bent's dad landed the chopper and Clara Gascoigne's father scouted from the ground.
"He's in the air force," says Clara Gascoigne. "I think it's pretty cool because he saves people's lives."
Today, the military crew took time to answer questions and to give tours aboard the helicopter.
"It was great being able to come down and show off some of the toys to the kids," says Maj. Rob Gascoigne of the Maritime Warfare Centre. "Let them see what we actually do during the day instead of putting on a uniform and walks out and comes back at the end of the day."
"Whether you have a friend, family or neighbour working for the military, we're all working for the same team," says Capt. Adrian Bent of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl
