Hundreds gathered at Jackson Park for the Battle of Britain Memorial Sunday.
The Air Force Club of Windsor honours those who sacrificed and risked their lives in one of the most decisive air-battles of WWII.
Germany failed to gain a foothold in the air 77 years ago — many credit that moment as the turning point of the war — Major Ray Embury says it prevented a ground invasion of England.
Service begins at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Jackson Park on Sunday, Sept. 17. (Photo by AM800's Gord Bacon)
"It's been 77-years, and 77 extremely important years," he says. "As our speaker pointed out, it's basically the change in the second World War."
He told AM800 News, seeing so many people come out on a beautiful day was a pleasant sight.
"I can't say enough about the people who are here, that made the sacrifice of their own to be here," he says. "Football, it's a warm day, and yet they choose to be here. I think that's just absolutely gratifying."
Especially when Embury thought the service might not continue in 2007.
"When the Air Force club closed in I think it was 2007 I hear someone say that's the end of the Battle of Britain Parade," says Embury. "I said no, this is too important."
With more and more veterans passing away each year, Embury says memorialising them is more important than ever.
"Those who are still around are unable to be here. We have one who's in a nursing home out in Tecumseh who would be here if she possibly could," he says. "She's 96 years old and just not able to make it."
Battle of Britain(1940)Memorial Service underway Jackson Park in Windsor. #cklw pic.twitter.com/P8Zca3LoQ9
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) September 17, 2017