George F. Beurling at the Verdun Auditorium

Pilot Officer George F. Beurling returned to Verdun on November 10, 1942, and was celebrated by some 6000 people at the Verdun Auditorium, the largest crowd gathered for a serviceman in Canadian history. The event made headlines around the country. Numerous City officials and local dignitaries, representatives from the Royal Canadian Air Force and the National War Finance Committee, and dozens of servicemen were in attendance. During the ceremony, the pilot was cheered by a jubilant crowd and in his short speech he declared: “This is no place for me. I’m a fighter pilot.” He was frequently interrupted by heavy rounds of applause from his adoring public. The Guardian declared that Beurling’s homecoming was the event of the year in Verdun.