The May She Soar Memorial near Kamloops Airport.

The City of Kamloops will be hosting a dedication ceremony Thursday morning at the site of the permanent memorial to Snowbirds captain Jennifer Casey.

The memorial – a full-sized replica of a Snowbirds Tutor jet made entirely of metallic maple leaves – is how the City of Kamloops officially remembers the Snowbirds crash on May 17, 2020 that killed Capt. Casey, and injured the pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall.

“The monument is inspired by the heartfelt tributes that appeared along Fulton Field,” the City of Kamloops said, in a statement. “The plane is a mosaic of maple leaves held together by branches, suggesting an emotional connection among Canadians, lifted upward in memory of a hero.”

“Angled as if in flight, the memorial points to Jenn’s spirit, soaring above us with bravery, determination, and selflessness.”

Speaking during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Councillor Mike O’Reilly said he was hoping to see a good turnout Thursday.

“Frankly, its not just the art itself but the park is beautiful. I’ve been out there a couple of times in the last week and it is what new parks look like in all major cities in the world,” Councillor Mike O’Reilly said.

“Kudos to staff for doing this, kudos to the airport society for being a part of this, and also to the artists who put this together. It really is a sight to be seen.”

O’Reilly says the date of the crash is one that many Kamloopsians will never forget.

“And it doesn’t matter if you’ve been there once before, depending on the time of day, it looks completely different from the last time you went. So really I encourage people to go out and meet the artists,” he said.

“And if you can’t make it that day, just go drive out there and take a look. There is plenty of parking and benches, and just take a moment to reflect on that day in Kamloops.”

The public ceremony – which will feature Sarah Holliday who designed the memorial among other guests – is scheduled to get underway at Fulton Field Park at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 29. People who attend are being told to carpool or park at the Aviation Way Dog Park due to limited parking availability.

“The City had long planned to construct a park to commemorate John Fulton, a decorated World War II veteran killed in action in 1942, after whom the airport lands-Fulton Field-are named,” the City statement added. “The park had been included in City plans since 2012 and gained more cultural and community significance after the Snowbirds tragedy.”

“More recent park plans included memorializing the two Canadian veterans who have such strong ties to Kamloops.”

The City of Kamloops will also be hosting a private dedication ceremony Thursday featuring military personnel and other local dignitaries.