Royal Canadian Air Cadets parade at annual ceremonial review

Written By BRIAN LOCKHART

The 164 Royal Canadian Air Cadets demonstrated some of the skills they have learned and practiced over the past year during their 44th annual Ceremonial Review on Saturday, June 8.

The Review took place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 220 in Shelburne.

Cadets marched into the viewing area led by a colour guard and underwent an inspection by several local dignitaries, including Shelburne Fire Chief Brad Lemaich and a regular Canadian Forces naval officer.

The cadet band played ‘O Canada' with a full gallery of spectators in attendance.

During the review, annual awards were given to several of the cadets based on their contributions to the squadron and their conduct as cadets.

Through the year cadets take part in their weekly drills and also learn valuable skills during trips and special events.

Marching in formation is something the cadets practice all year long and put special emphasis on their skills in the month prior to the review.

“We practice the entire year,” explained Cadet Flight Corporal Iain Martin, who has been in the squadron for three years. “Sometimes we have a few months where we go through the entire routine as a whole and practice the drill.”

Being a cadet is not all about marching and drills. They have a lot of exciting adventures, which Flight Corporal Martin said he enjoys.

“I like a lot of the programs such as the marksmanship team, that is one of my strong suits. I like being part of the flag party and I also have a lot of friends here.”

As the name implies the Air Cadets take part in a lot of airborne activities, including learning how to fly gliders at various air bases around the province.

The 164 Squadron learns gliding at CFB Borden.

The Cadets are always seeking new members age 12 to 18.

They participate in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities and learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship.