For 60 years, the Virden/ Westman community has had an army cadet presence in the area. Over the years many of these cadets have gone on to great success in various areas, and all of them, if they did three or more years with the cadets, gain a set of life skills that would serve them well in the real world.
The annual inspection was held this year at Victoria Park with a good turnout of family members, cadet officers from the Westman area and Legion members.
The inspection and salute this year was carried out by Major Bruce Kiecker, C.D. - the Commanding Officer of the Whitehorse cadet Summer Training Centre.
Following his review of the cadets, he made the following comments, “You have done well tonight and your achievements show that Canada’s future is in good hands. You have received good training from your cadet officers and support from your community. As you go on in cadets and life, always remember to be dedicated, loyal, honest, to do your best; remember the Golden
Rule and always be a lifelong learner.”
Before the cadet awards, there were some special presentations made to the cadet corps.
Mr. Paddy Douglass of the Army Cadet League of Canada presented the corps Commanding Officer, 2nd Lt. Nicole Day a certificate recognizing the 60th anniversary of the cadet corps, while
Virden Royal Canadian Legion President Curtis Smith and Virden RCL Ladies Auxiliary President Glynnis Whittle presented cheques to the cadet corps, to help them with their operations.
After awards were presented, there was a final pass in review order, and the parade was dismissed. Afterwards there were a number of cadet displays in the park that showed the
skills they learned during the training year and the type of equipment they used. This was followed by a buffet of light refreshments and a special 60th anniversary cake, cut by senior cadet, R.S.M. - W.O. B.Gibbert.
W.O. B.Gibbert was also given a one-year membership to the Royal Canadian Legion, since she will be graduating this June and will be finished with cadets.
The Cadet Corp Commanding Officer, 2nd Lt. Nicole Day said about the evening, “Congratulations to the Virden 12th Manitoba Dragoon cadets for a job well done on their Annual Ceremonial Review.
The cadets worked hard throughout the training year to prepare for their final parade which included a March Past, awards ceremony followed by displays and demonstrations given by the cadets.
This year the cadet corps was able to partake in field training exercises, a skiing trip as well as a number of fundraising activities throughout the community.
A number of Virden’s cadets are attending Summer Training in Vernon, BC.” She acknowledged the community support and sponsors as well as parents. Day finished by saying,
“Congratulations to our award winners and have a great summer.”
