VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) -  It’s an annual tradition for Metro Vancouver veterans of the Royal Canadian Air Force in Stanley Park.

This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the crucial air battle that saved England from German invasion and a major turning point in World War II.

Royal Canadian Air Force veteran Harry Hardy is joining others today, commemorating the service and sacrifice of those who died.

The 90-year-old was a Typhoon pilot who flew over Europe to the crossing of the Rhine River.

“I was hit six times and I had a bail out and have a forced landing. You know, all the standard things a fighter pilot goes through,” explains Hardy. “I put her down in France in a nice big field.”

He says after landing his plane, he was picked up by the underground. “First we [were taken] to a safe house and a woman doctor interviewed us to make sure we were who we said we were. And after they were satisfied, they took us to the Americans.”

As for his job during the war, Hardy says it was his responsibility to attack any German vehicle that moved. “And all the trains, and it was our job not to let the Germans build up on their side of the Rhine while we were building up on our side of the Rhine.”

Hardy feels commemorating historic moments like the Battle of Britain continues to be important. “For the young people, if we didn’t do it, we’d be all forgotten.”

Today’s event will be held at the Stanley Park Air Force Garden of Remembrance:

1:00 p.m. – Music by The Band of the 15th Field Artillery

1:30 p.m. – Parade of more than 150 Air Cadets from 4 squadrons

1:35 p.m. – Fly past by RCAF long-range ‘Aurora’ based at Comox

1:38 p.m. – Colours marched on by the Legion and Anavets flag party

1:40 p.m. – Lamp of Brotherhood presented

1:50 p.m. – Remarks by Consul General of United Kingdom

2:00 p.m. – Poem ‘High Flight’ read by Air Cadet Walter Yang

2:20 p.m. – Final fly-past by The Fraser Blues