About Ad Astra

Introduced in January 1996, the Ad Astra Stone Program has attracted an exceptional level of interest. The project, proposed and developed by Colonel (Ret’d) “Cy” Yarnell, involves the installation of engraved stones along the walkways of the Airpark adjacent to the National Air Force Museum of Canada. More than 9000 people have made donations to the museum via this program.

The gray granite stones measure 6″ x 10″ and donations to the Ad Astra Program may be made on behalf of any Canadian airman or airwoman who has served, or is serving, in one of Canada’s Air Forces or an Allied Air Force, their spouse or others whom the Board of Directors deem appropriate.

Bearing the words “Ad Astra” and adorned by an Air Force Roundel, the stone reflects the person’s name, their hometown, province and the years of birth and death (these dates are engraved only when the museum is informed of the person’s passing). Information regarding service number, rank and decorations, does not appear on the stone but will be recorded in a Museum Register that also identifies the location of the stone in the Airpark. A preferred location for stones will be considered, but is not guaranteed. An annual dedication ceremony is held at the museum on the last Saturday in September to recognize all of the installed stones.

The donation required for a stone in 2010 is $150. Upon receipt of the Ad Astra Stone application and payment, the museum will issue a charitable income-tax receipt to the donor. Please note, a second duplicate Ad Astra stone can now be placed in the airpark at a location of your choice, for a $100 donation. This second stone must be identical to the name and hometown engraved on the original stone.

CUT OFF DATE FOR ORDERING STONES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE 2010 AD ASTRA DEDICATION CEREMONY IS AUGUST 15TH, 2010.

Volunteers

The Ad Astra stone committee are currently looking for volunteers. To speak to someone about the different opportunities available, contact 613-965-2208.  

Ad Astra Stone Database

To find a name on the Ad Astra Database, click on the link below:
View Ad Astra Database

Ad Astra Stone Applications

If you are interested in purchasing and donating an Ad Astra Stone, you may print out your own forms here, in Adobe PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required to view them. If you do require Adobe Acrobat, you may download it free from www.adobe.com. Please print and mail both pages and sign the form on page 1:

Map of RCAF Memorial Airpark

Click below to view a map of the airpark:
Download Airpark Map