Today marked the final event of the year for several cadets in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Admiral Mountbatten division. Coincidently, it was also the 75th anniversary of the Corps, calling for a celebration that reunited cadets from throughout the years to Sudbury Armoury located off Regent and Lorne St.
"We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Corps being in existence. The armoury has placed hosts to the Corps since the beginning and so why not start the celebrations from here," Lt. navy Thomas Flake, training officer said.
In true Corps fashion, the event began with a marchpast, inspection and performance by the corps' drum and bugle band. As the cadets marched in matching their footwork to the drums, the spectators stood beaming with pride.
"The annual review gives the cadets a chance to showcase everything they have learnt at the Corps throughout the year. For most units, the review caps off their training year. And so today is extra special to us," Flake said.
The room was silent throughout the ceremonial review, with only the drums and cadet calls breaking the silence.
"The cadets have come a long way. Throughout the year they participate in activities like biathlons, marksmanship, band practices to cultivate a sense of citizenship to the community and to the country. So really it is a matter of pride," Flake said.
Throughout the years more than 6,000 young Sudburians have been a part of the corps since its inception, many of whom have gone on to serve in Canada's Armed Forces, the RCMP, OPP and city police, as paramedics and firefighters. Some have served as doctors, lawyers, successful business owners and some have served as service club and Legion presidents.
"The Corps has three mandates, and one of them is to develop an interest in the Canadian Armed Forces and especially in the navy," Flake said.
Area Elemental Advisor of northern Ontario, Lieutenant-Commander Robert Pihalaja, who has been with the cadets for over three decades, was the reviewing officer at the ceremony. During the ceremony, he was seen sharing some words of wisdom and congratulating the cadets on their completion.
Numerous awards were also presented such as the Outstanding Cadet Award, the Top Shot Award. Among these First Year, Cadets were also recognized for their hard work throughout the year.
There is still more to come this weekend as the Corps wraps up their review.
Tonight the cadets will enjoy a dinner and dance. Tomorrow, the Admiral Mountbatten Sea Cadet Corps will host its annual Battle of the Atlantic ceremony and parade at Memorial Park in downtown Sudbury, followed by a family barbecue.
Catch a glimpse of the annual review in our photo gallery
