We will remember....

Rememberance Day ceremonies have special meaning for many different reasons; not the least of which is remembering those that have gone before us to provide us what we have today. On November 11th Larry and I attended the ceremony held at the cadet hall here in Iqaluit. I'll discuss the cadet hall in a bit.

The ceremony was inside and I must say there was standing room only. The hall, which is a fair size, was packed. Larry and I arrived early which was a good thing as there wasn't an empty seat to be found. The Air cadet squadron provided the "sentry," the legion provided the colour party and the RCMP were a strong presence. What was missing, other than one or two officers and a Warrant Officer was a military presence. Something I hadn't really seen before. Everywhere you go, that I remember, down south there is a good military presence. At this ceremony there was only the officer escorting the commissioner and the Detachment Commander for the Northern Detachment. The largest contingent was the RCMP officers who were employed with the Iqaluit detachment.

The ceremony overall was very well done. The legion conducted the ceremony, one of the cadets provided the bugle (trumpet) and a local choir also performed at the ceremony. The choir was amazing.

In this picture is the Commissioner of Nunavut and the legions parade commander.

This picture shows the "makeshift" cenotaph. Many families and organizations laid wreaths. Overall a very good ceremony. Everyone attending the ceremony was in their "sunday best" and very open to engaging in conversation. Actually the commissioner made a point of talking to many people in attendance and was a welcomed presence to the ceremony. Even Larry and I had our little minute of introduction. I think that is one contrast from down south; our dignitaries tend to be inaccessible.

So, I mentioned that the parade was conducted in the cadet hall. There are many units down south that would be jealous of the facilities that the cadets have here in Iqaluit. For those that have seen Trenton Air Cadet Summer Training Centre's cadet canteen, I would say the cadet hall is probably at least 3x the size. It's an impressive facility with lots of possibility. The senior cadets were very well turned out and did their unit proud. Unlike down south, I could ask almost anyone in Iqaluit and they could tell you about the cadet program. Everyone is well versed on the cadets and the opportunities. The legion is the sponsor of the cadet unit. Of course, there was also ranger representation at the ceremony. Although I only recall seeing one or two.

More about the cadet unit in a later blog.