The Importance of the Cadets Program in Canada, According to Anthony Furey
Commentary
As Canadians my age reminisce about Remembrance Day ceremonies, we often recall the stories shared by World War II veterans. When I was a schoolchild, these veterans were a common presence at our school assemblies, leaving a lasting impact on me. However, as time passes and many veterans depart, my children do not have the same opportunities to hear these stories.
Rohmer is a true icon, and his presence at the ceremony, after a brief absence, will hold significant meaning for all in attendance. Sadly, there will come a time when we lose the opportunity to hear firsthand from soldiers who fought in World War II or the Korean War.
Canada’s most decorated military veteran, Major-General Richard Rohmer, arrives at the official international ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, at Omaha Beach in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, on June 6, 2024.Jordan Pettitt, Pool Photo via AP
It is indeed appropriate to honor our war heroes during Remembrance Day. However, as we pay tribute to our oldest veterans, let’s also recognize the value of a program involving younger generations—the Canadian cadets.
The cadets, comprising the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and Royal Canadian Air Cadets, offer free programs for youth aged 12 to 18, with over 50,000 currently enrolled.
Aside from soft skills, cadets also learn activities such as sailing, kayaking, orienteering, flying, and aerospace studies, offering practical and enjoyable experiences for young people.
An article from CBC a few years ago highlighted the increasing enrollment in the cadets program in British Columbia, driven by families seeking structured programs that impart hard skills and instill firm values.
Given the challenges in today’s education system, the cadets programs stand out as a beacon of values and structure that are increasingly rare among youth.
Amidst discussions of introducing voluntary service for young people, the values instilled by cadets programs are crucial for the development of responsible and value-driven individuals.
As we approach Remembrance Day, let’s reflect on the importance of instilling values in our youth and look to programs like Cadets Canada to guide the way.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
