The 547 Canuck Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron cadets and staff will be hosting a gala presentation to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge tomorrow. The event goes from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Fort Chippewa Barracks at the corner of Chippewa and High Street. 36 air cadets and staff from 547 Canuck RCACS had the opportunity of a lifetime during this past March Break. They realized their goal of attending a nine-day educational tour through Europe to visit historic sites from the first and second world wars, including a trip to the Vimy Ridge memorial and trenches.
The cadets and staff worked tirelessly in the community for nearly 18 months to raise the money to be able to bring as many cadets as possible on the once in a lifetime experience. The cadets participated in Walk-a-thons, Bazaars, Battalion games, direct sales efforts, grocery bagging and more. “Bringing Back the Memories”, the cadets flag sponsorship program was the most memorable effort put forth. Community members, and global supporters alike, sponsored flags to travel to Vimy Ridge with a personalized message of thanks and remembrance. Over 1000 flags were sponsored during this campaign. They were then carefully packed and carried to the Vimy Ridge memorial site where each of the 36 squadron members in attendance planted the flags and held a special ceremony in honour of the Canadians who fought, died, and helped to form the Canada that we live in today.
As the cold winds blew through the sea of red and white flags, the cadets stood at attention in an arc around the flags, dressed in their blue dress uniforms, a stark contrast to the grey sky surrounding them and white monument behind them, remembering family members, friends, ancestors and heroes. In addition to the Vimy Ridge site, the air cadets of 547 were fortunate to visit other historical areas including Ypres, Belgium which is the home of Flander’s Fields, the Tyne Cot Cemetery and Menin Gate. They also visited Arras, France, home of the Wellington Quarry and Beaumont-Hamel, the memorial of the significant battle by Newfoundland.
