Stoltenberg opens air force museum in Muskoka, Canada

Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today opened ”Little Norway Memorial Building” in Muskoka, Canada. “This is to commemorate the Norwegian airmen and women who trained here during the Second World War, and it is a proof and appreciation of the long-standing connections between our two countries”, Stoltenberg said in Muskoka.

During World War II  Muskoka Airport was referred to as “Little Norway”, because it was used as a training facility for the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The Prime Minister paid tribune to Norwegian veterans present at the opening.

“Before us are some of the great men of Little Norway, members of a generation that passed history’s test. They grew up during the great depression. They used their youth to fight and win a war, and they built peace and prosperity in their mature years. 

Prime Minister Stoltenberg in Muskoka at the official opening of "Little Norway Memorial Building" Photo: Scanpix

 

In your senior years, it’s therefore fitting that my generation pays tribute to those who were tested and who risked so much, and to whom we are indebted”, Stoltenberg said.

Muskoka Airfield was obtained by Norway in 1942, and larger barracks were constructed to improve the facilities. Until 1945 more than 3,000 Norwegians were trained in the camp, for service in the Norwegian and British air forces.