As one of the oldest Air forces in the world the South African Air Force (SAAF) has a long and proud history of heritage and traditions. Formed on the 1st February 1920 the SAAF celebrates this anniversary every year with a parade on or around the 1st of February. The main parade and prestige awards ceremony is held in Pretoria although all the other bases around the country also celebrate the occasion with a base parade.

2008 saw the first opening of the gates to non serving members of the SAAF as well as the public and the 2009 event was opened up further to the public with even advertising of the celebrations. With the success and acclaim that the 2008 event had garnered there was great anticipation for the 2009 celebrations. Unfortunately the “weather gods” had their say on the matter and caused a major disruption to the plans of the day.