MND Joins Cadets in Oakville to Remember

December 1^st, 2021 - Defence Stories

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Sgt Aditi Saxena speaks with Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Anita Anand, about her experiences in the Cadet Program at the local Remembrance Day parade on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

The 540 Golden Hawks Squadron, an air cadet unit based in Oakville, Ont. was part of a warm welcome for the new Minister of National Defence (MND), the Honourable Anita Anand, who attended a local remembrance parade during Veterans’ Week on Nov. 7.

Taking the time to talk with every cadet who attended, Minister Anand thanked them for attending the ceremony—also highlighting the importance of showing a deep level of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices of our Canadian veterans.

“I was very happy to meet with air cadets from 540 Golden Hawks Squadron during our local Remembrance Week service in Oakville. It was a pleasure to get to know each of them, hear their stories, and thank them for raising their hands to serve,” said the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Oakville. “The Cadet Program is a wonderful leadership opportunity for youth across the country, including in our own community. As we approach Remembrance Day, I thank air cadets for their efforts to bring the spirit of remembrance to their peers and all Canadians. May we always honour those who fought for our freedom. Lest we forget.”

The minister also expressed how important the Cadet Program is to her and that she looks forward to attending many more cadet events across the country in the future. The cadets were very excited to have the opportunity to meet the MND—a unique experience that is hard to get anywhere else.

Caption

Sgt Aditi Saxena speaks with Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Anita Anand, about her experiences in the Cadet Program at the local Remembrance Day parade on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

“Meeting Minister Anand today at the Bronte Remembrance Week parade was an incredible experience! She spoke to me about how school was going, how I was enjoying cadets and how long I had been in the program,” said Flight Sergeant Aditi Saxena, an instructor with the 540 Golden Hawks. “It made me think of how lucky I am to be able to go to school and do cadets with my friends—thanks to all those who sacrificed their lives in combat.”

Organized by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 486, the 540 Golden Hawks were asked to participate and attend the ceremony on behalf of the Cadet Program in Oakville. Standing proudly at attention as Last Post filled the somber air, as well as raising the flags as Reveille played, it was a time for the cadets to appreciate the life they have today thanks to the contributions of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Although the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic reduced the capacity limit of the ceremony, citizens both young and elderly were in attendance to pay their respects. Wearing a poppy during Veterans’ week for many Canadians, whether in uniform or civilian clothing, is a way to help honour our veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made for Canada.

The Cadet Program contributes to the development of Canadians from all walks of life—building citizenship, leadership, service, and other foundational life skills that benefit communities and the civilian/military careers cadets pursue.

*Lt Vukojevic is the acting new media and production officer for the Regional Cadet Support Unit-Central, which is responsible for the Cadet Program in the Province of Ontario.