Cadets prepare for Remembrance
Commanding officer has not yet confirmed if they will stand vigil at cenotaph
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Published Friday, November 7, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife's two cadets corps are again very busy taking part in several Remembrance Day ceremonies and activities, according to Lieut. Trevor Thompson, the commanding officer of the 825 Yellowknife Elks Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
"We began last Saturday as about 23 air cadets were stationed at various locations around the city offering poppies to the public," Thompson said.
Cadets will also be taking part in a ceremony at the Yellowknife Cemetery the night before Remembrance Day, added Thompson, who said they will be part of the field of honour candlelight vigil where candles will be placed on the headstones of the city's veterans.
On Remembrance Day itself, cadets will march in a parade which leaves the Royal Canadian Legion and travels to the cenotaph near RCMP headquarters.
"They will take part in the wreath laying ceremony at the cenotaph at about 10:20 a.m. (and) will then parade to St. Patrick High School for the indoor ceremony in the gymnasium," said Thompson.
Thompson also said the cadets will be providing the Remembrance Day wreaths to the people who will be placing them.
It's important for cadets to take part in Remembrance Day, Thompson said.
"We're paying our respects to all Canadian soldiers and it's crucial that the cadets realize the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers so that they can fully appreciate the kinds of freedoms they enjoy every day," he said.
Thompson said that in his mind, Remembrance Day is always significant.
"It's not more important this year, despite the two soldiers being killed in terror attacks last month as well as Canada's current military action in the Middle East against the terrorist group ISIS. Remembrance Day is important to all Canadians in times of peace and at times of war," he said.
Thompson said a decision on whether the cadets will stand for a 12-hour vigil at the cenotaph has yet to be made. Last year, cadets held a vigil at the cenotaph from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day.
The delay in the decision on whether to hold the vigil this year has nothing to do with security or the shooting death last month of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo as he stood guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
"We intend to hold a vigil, we just haven't nailed down all the logistics of it yet," Thompson said.
If the vigil is held, air cadets will be joined by the the members of 2837 Yellowknife Army Cadet Corps, Princess Patricia's Light Infantry. Its spokesperson, officer-cadet Dylan Robichaud, said he too was waiting to hear if a vigil will be held this year.
"We alternate every year and this year, the air cadets are organizing the cadet's involvement," Robichaud said. "It's up to them this year as to whether a vigil will be held."
Robichaud added the army cadets will be joining the air cadets to participate in all the same Remembrance Day events.
