A world record was smashed on April 1 as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary celebrations, and Moose Jaw played a role in breaking that record. 

As part of the celebration, 56 landmarks were lit up in blue to celebrate the milestone, breaking the Guiness Book of World Records mark for most landmarks illuminated in 24 hours. Moose Jaw’s City Hall Clock Tower was one of those landmarks. 

“The CN Tower was turned blue, the Niagra Falls was turned blue, embassies were turned blue across the world. The United States had landmarks that were turned blue. It was pretty incredible to be a part of such a global initiative and recognition,” said Coun. Crystal Froese with the city’s Heritage Advisory Committee. 

The previous record was 38 illuminated landmarks. 

According to the Guiness Book of World Records, there were 40 locations in Canada alone that were lit up in blue. Other locations included the Calgary Tower, the Vancouver Lookout and the Ottawa Peace Tower. 

The record extended worldwide as the Danube Tower in Austria, the Seoul Tower in South Korea, the Tallin Tower in Estonia, and St. Andrews House in Scotland also took part in the world record attempt. 

In Moose Jaw, it was no easy feat to become a part of the world record attempt. In order to be recognized, the landmark needed to be videotaped lit in blue for 24 hours. 

“John Trodd and Murray Rimmer were two people who went up on the roof and actually videotaped it for us so we could officially submit it and be part of the Guiness Book of World Record breaker,” Froese said. 

The City Hall Clock Tower wasn’t the only location that was lit in blue for the RCAF Centennial. Prairie South School Division took part in the celebration by lighting up Central Collegiate and Prince Arthur School in blue. 

Froese talked about the importance of Moose Jaw recognizing this milestone for the RCAF. 

“It’s really important, especially because we have 15 Wing and, of course, we are also the home of the Snowbirds, that we were able to participate in honour and recognize the aviators and the crews and the personnel who’ve sacrificed and/or have served and who continue to serve,” she said. 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the previous record of 38 was held by The Estee Lauder Companies in New York City in 2010.