NI and Canadian cadets overcome virus to mark D-Day Landings with first ever virtual exchange

Army cadets from Northern Ireland and Canada have united for a ‘brilliant’ online remembrance event to mark the 76th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, despite ongoing Coronavirus restrictions.
Cadet Company Sergeant Major Carrie Morrow from Glengormley was one of a number who gave a talk on D-Day.Cadet Company Sergeant Major Carrie Morrow from Glengormley was one of a number who gave a talk on D-Day.
Cadet Company Sergeant Major Carrie Morrow from Glengormley was one of a number who gave a talk on D-Day.

World War II’s Day-Day, the day of the Normandy landings, was on June 6, 1944, and marked the start of the Allied effort to liberate western Europe from Nazi Germany.

While the ongoing lockdown has ruled out much international and local travel and gatherings, the development of the internet allowed cadets from Company 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force and 2912 Sudbury Irish, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps to mark the event with their first ever virtual exchange.

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The event happened after adult NI instructor Captain Miniss came across the trans-Atlantic Irish connection with the Canadian cadet Unit and made contact with the Canadian Officer Commanding, Captain Lamirande.

A “small, but poignant” memorial ceremony took place at the Bayeux Cemetery in Normandy, France. PA Photo.A “small, but poignant” memorial ceremony took place at the Bayeux Cemetery in Normandy, France. PA Photo.
A “small, but poignant” memorial ceremony took place at the Bayeux Cemetery in Normandy, France. PA Photo.

“The exchange via Zoom was brilliant, or as the Canadians would say ‘fabulous’,” said C Coy PR Officer and Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI), Amanda Roxborough.

After the act of remembrance and the playing of the last post, there was a short historical talk from three cadets about the roles of both the Canadian and British troops on D-Day. Afterwards the cadets held an online quiz and were divided into different virtual rooms to get to know each other.

Cadet Sergeant Ciara McKay who was in last year’s Canadian Exchange trip said: “This was a fantastic experience for all the cadets and we hope to remain in contact with our Canadian friends and hopefully someday get the chance to meet up!”

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The anniversary was also marked with a socially-distanced ceremony at the graves of fallen war heroes in France. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission said no more than 20 people, including the British Ambassador to France attended a “small, but poignant” ceremony at the Bayeux Cemetery in Normandy.

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