Young local army cadets were an integral part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in 100 Mile House, Clinton and Forest Grove on Nov. 11.
In 100 Mile House, the 2887 Rocky Mountain Rangers Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, which has close to 30 members, marched in the parade down Birch Avenue, stood by ceremonial guard at the cenotaph outside the community hall, and escorted wreath-layers inside during the large annual ceremony.
The Royal Canadian Cadets, a civilian volunteer organization supported by the Department of National Defence, aims to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate interest in the role of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), explains local Commanding Officer Capt. Dale Bachmier, who joined the cadets at age 12 before joining the CAF at 17 and serving for 23 years.
Participating in Remembrance Day is part of the citizenship and leadership component of the program, Bachmier explains, “showing the community that we are part of remembering.”
It’s not just recognizing past sacrifices by this country's veterans, but present and future sacrifices as well, as Canada is presently at war with terrorism, Bachmier adds.
One hundred and fifty eight Canadian soldiers died in the Afghanistan mission, and CAF personnel and aircraft are currently deployed in Operation IMPACT, part of a multinational coalition fighting the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
“Our main goal is to create and make good leaders and citizens of our up-and-coming adults,” says Bachmier of the cadets program, which is free for youth age 12 to 19.
The local group, along with Merritt- and Lillooet-based cadets, recently spent four days at 19 Wing Comox on Vancouver Island, where they toured the Airforce base.
Three local cadets have gone on to join the military in the last few years, and they're doing well, says Bachmier.
“That's pretty much due to the cadets. You get a very good insight into the military program.
“When they join, they've already got background in drill, map and compass, teaching techniques and leadership.”
According to the organization's website, army cadets get involved in ceremonial military events and citizenship activities to connect to their Canadian heritage.
“Today, the Cadet Program continues to evolve and adapt to meet the expectations of our changing society. With its emphasis on leadership, physical fitness and citizenship, the Canadian Cadet Program helps young Canadians to become active and engaged members of their communities today and prepares them to become the leaders of tomorrow.”