Passing Helicopter Enthralls Montreal

Montreal, Canada. By John Straunheimer

Residents of Montreal stopped still in their tracks to enjoy a rarely seen spectacle: The miracle of heavier than air flight. Sources say the helicopter, which was described as black and surrounded by a semi-transparent circle, entered the city's air space around 2:57 PM, passing directly overhead and leaving the city at approximately 3:03 PM. It was unclear as to where it was coming from and where it was going.

Traffic came to a halt as Montrealians exited their homes and cars to gaze upward, and schools emptied as teachers shepherded their children out to see the strange and wonderful sight.

"It was so nice," said Monique Depieux, 5th grade teacher, "We'd just begun our studies on flight and it was really nice for the children to see it in real life. Now the children believe it's possible."

But some were less enthused about the unexpected aerial event, such as Pierre LeBlanc, a 65 year old retired mime.

"It's just not polite. I bet a lot of people didn't get to see it. If you're going to do something like that, you should tell people. If my dogs hadn't been going crazy I would have missed it."

And indeed, there has been a great deal of contention regarding the issue. Some Montrealitans believe that a prior announcement would have made the event less magical. Others argue that it's more important that everyone should get a chance to share in such an event. Jane DePardieux, councilwoman for South Montreal, sides with the latter group.

"Regardless of how people feel about it, this happened. It was a magical day for everyone, one we'll tell our children about. But Canada can not be stuck in the past. We must look toward the future."

And if Councilwoman DePardieux's opinion is representative of the majority, then all of Montreal is looking for that future over the horizon.

Ms. Depardieux continued, "It has to be going somewhere. And it has to come back at some point. This isn't the last we'll see of the helicopter."