Hall of Fame Turns 50 and Inducts New Members

Report by John Chalmers,
CAHS Membership Secretary
posted September 2023
On September 14 at the Sunwest Aviation hangar in Calgary, converted to a giant dining Hall for the occasion, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame inducted four new members and presented a Belt of Orion Award at its 50th anniversary event.

Among the inductees was 100-year old Kenneth Lett, a veteran of the Second World War, who flew fighter aircraft on D-Day. Although he was brief in his remarks, Ken was recognized for his accomplishments by other inductees and the video shown about him.
Ken Lett
How appropriate it was that virtually on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the RCAF, getting ready to celebrate its centennial in 2024, that one of its own outstanding veterans should be installed as a member of the Hall!

After leaving the air force after the war, Ken re-enlisted in 1947, staying for another 31 years, retiring in 1978 with the rank of Major-General, and went on to build a highly successful career in business aviation.
A fine finish to the induction dinner was a great talk by Chris Hadfield with a slide show tailored to fit the Hall of Fame. As well as a superb speaker, Chris concluded his talk by picking up his guitar and singing David Bowie’s song, “Space Oddity,” which millions of people saw when Chris had performed that song from the International Space Station.

See more info about the induction when you click here to view the story and video from Calgary CTV news, starring CAHS member and Hall of Fame Historian, Jonathan Scotland!
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