Northern Ireland cadets teams up with Canadian colleagues for act of remembrance

Sudbury Irish, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps and C Company 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force took part in this virtual exchange.

Adult Instructor, Captain Miniss came across a Northern Ireland connection with a Canadian unit and after making initial contact with the Officer Commanding, Captain Lamirande, the result was this Zoom meeting.

After the act of remembrance and the playing of the Last Post, there was a short historical talk from Cadet Drill Sgt Major Kutchew (Canada), Cadet Company Sgt Major Carrie Morrow, Glengormley Detachment and Under Officer Paige Abernathy, Ballymena Detachment, about the roles of both the Canadian and British troops on D Day.

The cadets and instructors were also invited to take part in a quiz and the event concluded with Canadian bagpiper, Cadet Stiller playing ‘Amazing Grace’.

Corporal Matthew Marron from Ballyclare Cadets, who had been going through the process of Canadian Cadet exchange selection before lockdown, 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.”

Capt Lamirande, from the Canadian Cadets, said: “Using technology we can now see what our counterparts in Ireland do.”

At the end of the evening, Major Reed, Company Commander for C Company, voiced the overall opinion that it was a great success and one that will be repeated.