Janusz
spoke and mentioned that he was "verk sick" and
that his speech would thus, necessarily be very short.
In this speech he said (this is paraphrasing because it was difficult
to hear him perfectly):
"I would like to thank
all of the organizers and attendees for putting on this
incredible event an honouring me. I would also like to
say 'THAT I DON'T DESERVE THIS' and wish to
dedicate this park to the thousands of wonderful Canadians
who built this excellent aircraft [looking up at the
near-perfect 1/4th scale model of the Arrow on display]and
helped make Canada a world-leader in aviation technology."
Some whispers were heard about
how refreshing such modesty is and that such is the mark
of a true hero.
About two-thirds of the way through the event, just
before it began to rain, something amazing emerged from
the mist as though it was coming from the mists of time:
a Supermarine Spitfire with all 12 cylinders of its Rolls-Royce
Merlin engine singing their spine-tingling song. This
beautiful aircraft flew overhead, turned and did another
flypast before returning to Ottawa. The pilot (Michael
Potter) must have really sweet-talked air traffic control
to be allowed to fly that day considering the low ceiling
and poor visibility, especially since this million-dollar
aircraft is the only Spitfire flying in Canada... a priceless
artifact. And, despite being a very sick man as he said,
Zura showed what he is made of and stuck out the entire
ceremony despite it pouring rain for the last portion.
Luckily a number of umbrellas converged on him, Anna
and his sons.
Mr. Hildebrandt held a reception
at his home for many of the dignitaries and reports indicate
it was very well done considering the status of many
of the guests.
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