Langley’s Lightning Hawk cadets flew to the Nation’s Capital for an experience they won’t soon forget.
The 746 Lightning Hawk Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron had a large number of cadets take part in a Canadian cultural trip to Ottawa.
The aim of the cadet program is to develop in youth good citizenship and leadership; promote fitness; and spark an interest in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces.
To support this mandate, 30 Langley air cadets and three officers were involved in a one-week cultural journey to Ottawa in March.
The purpose was to learn about Canadian culture, the Canadian parliamentary and judicial systems, and Canadian and military history.
The Cadets flew from Abbotsford to Ottawa and stayed at the Canadian Forces Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre, in Nepean, Ont,, 30 minutes outside Ottawa.
This is the location of the Connaught Cadet Summer Training Centre, a training facility for 500 air, army and sea cadets each summer.
On their first morning, the cadets travelled by bus to Gatineau, Que., to experience a traditional brunch in a Sugar Shack at Sucrerie du Terroir.
They spent the afternoon at the Canadian Museum of History.
Through the week, cadets had the opportunity to tour: Rideau Hall, Aviation and Space Museum, Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower, Supreme Court of Canada, National War Memorial, National Aboriginal Veterans Memorial, and the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Monument.
While in Ottawa they also spent a day at the Canadian War Museum, Canada’s national museum of military history, and the Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum.
The final day before returning home consisted of a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint and time at the National Gallery of Canada.
Capt. Nathan Groome, interim commanding officer of the 746 Squadron said he was very proud of the cadets who participated on this trip.
“They were eager to learn about Canada and our history and were excellent ambassadors representing Langley and the Air Cadet program,” Groome said.
During the visit, Flight Sergeant Timothy Ro saluted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and was moved by the experience.
“Standing before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I was overwhelmed with respect for every soldier past, present, and future,” Ro said.
“At first I was saddened when I realized just how many soldiers selflessly laid down their lives for their country.”
But he said his grief “was quickly followed by genuine gratitude for the men and women who allowed me, as well as every other Canadian, the opportunity to live peacefully within Canada.”
About Lightning Hawk
There are more than 160 air cadets in the 746 Squadron.
Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 interested in joining the 746 Lightning Hawk Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Langley can contact the Squadron at 746air@cadets.gc.ca or call 604-532-7466.
Visit the squadron website at www.746lightninghawk.com in late summer for further details on enrolment for September.
Cadets program
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a federally-sponsored national program for young Canadians ages 12 to 18, in an environment that stimulates an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Air Cadet program operates within a partnership agreement between the Department of National Defence (DND) and The Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL), a civilian volunteer organization.
There are more than 450 squadrons across Canada with approximately 23,000 Air Cadets enrolled in the program.
For more about The Air Cadet League of Canada, visit www.aircadetleague.com and the national Cadet program at www.cadets.ca