Friday, 19 Aug 2005 (52 photos)

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0600 hrs, the pipes and drums serenades the entire camp with an early morning march past.

 

A little less than an hour later and for the final morning, the flag is raised with Cdt Aarron Hicks bugling.

 

The day went by with everyone working on their uniforms, putting the best polish they ever had on their boots. Well earned CL and CLI badges were sewn on tunics even though the parade dress would be short order. By 1700 hrs, the companies were forming up, Guard Company took a few extra minutes before getting their Lee Enfield rifles. The parade would begin in just an hour. 

 

Sunset Ceremony and Closing Out Parade 2005

This evening, over 800 officers and cadets are on parade.  These individuals have come to Vernon from many different places – some from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and even some from the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Quebec. Tonight we mark the completion of six weeks of training, during which the cadets have learned new skills in leadership, drill, citizenship, map and compass, outdoor adventure activities and many other areas. Some of the cadets have had the opportunity to partake in specialty training in music or coaching. All of the cadets will leave here with new knowledge, new stories and new friends.

The Government of Canada has declared 2005 the Year of the Veteran to thank and honour all veterans who served their country in times of war, military conflict, and peace.  Throughout this special commemorative year, Canadians can actively remember, honour, celebrate and teach our youth about the service and sacrifice of Canada ’s veterans.  The Year of the Veteran was the focus of our Drumhead Ceremony.  This parade is dedicated to all veterans, and particularly as those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, which ensured the freedoms we enjoy everyday.

 

Sgt Alisa Rushworth puts on a highland dancing demonstration with C/Sgt Piper Andrew O’Boyle piping before the final parade in front of an audience estimated at over 1600. 

 

 

Officers promenade before the parade begins, OCdt Lynsie Beger, Lt Rob Fiest and CI Rob Schell.

 

The battalion waits on the sports field for the parade to begin. (Photo: Phil Edge)

 

 

The Pioneer cadets sweep the parade square before markers are called. The pioneer Skirmish is an old tradition in which pioneers clear mine fields booby traps and other danger areas in front of an infantry battalion.  The pioneers sweep the parade square twice then peel off and encircle the parade Square leaving axmen to mark the four corners of the square and two other axmen to secure each side of the dais with the pioneer commander taking up post behind the dais as an advisor to the CO, as done in the field. The pioneer Regalia, which is worn on ceremonial parades, is represented by a split apron to identify chaps worn in the field, gauntlets to identify work gloves in combat pioneers and a two bladed axe which represent and identifies all pioneer field units.

 

Markers are called.

 

The Battalion band leading, marches onto Dieppe Square from behind the curtains. 

 

It's an impressive sight, watching 800 plus cadets march in perfect unison and form up on the square.

 

The parade marches on with the Band, Bravo Company, leading.

 

The RSM hands the parade over to the Adjutant Capt Ted Usher. 

 

The DCO, Maj Al Dengis, hands the parade to CO, LCol Terry Kopan

 

Flag Party marches on after the Commanding Officer LCol Terry Kopan takes over the parade.

 

 

The Flag Party.

 

The reviewing officer, Rear-Admiral Roger Girouard, OMM, CD, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific takes the salute.

 

 

Inspecting the guard.

 

 

Joining the reviewing party is MGen Brian Vernon CD (Retired), inspecting Alpha Company. 

 

 

Inspecting the band Rear-Admiral Girouard is met by Major Kelly March. 

 

 

 

Assisting with the inspection Commander R. Mountford, Commanding Officer of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) inspects Cadet Devon Docksey of 3069 Medics RC(Army)CC St Albert, Alberta. To the left Platoon Commander Lt Rob Fiest and Company Commander Major Gary Law.

 

 

Supt. W. McKinnon, Officer-in-Charge of the RCMP Detachment (Kelowna) also assists in the inspection party. 

 

 

The march past.

 

March past in column of route, the view from the back of the parade square.

 

The CO leads the battalion.

 

 

The march past continues.

 

 

2Lt Karen Leung marches with her platoon.

 

 

Cadet Daniel Major of 1292 Lord Strathcona Horse (Royal Canadians) RC(Army)CC, Calgary, AB is presented with the MGen Howard Award for the top cadet on a Cadet Leader Course by the Reviewing Officer, Rear-Admiral Girouard. This award is presented to a cadet who has demonstrated leadership qualities, a willingness to accept responsibility and the qualities of a role model for other army cadets.

 

 

Cadet Victoria Palumbi of 2051 19th Alberta Dragoons RCACC, Edmonton, AB, is presented with the LGen JE Vance Leadership Award.  This award is presented to the cadet on the Cadet Leader Instructor – Drill and Ceremonial course who has demonstrated the qualities of a leader and is a role model for other army cadets.

 

 

 

Cadets being presented with the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, Cadet Medals of Merit.  These are presented to the outstanding cadet on each Cadet Leader Instructors Course.  They are presented by Mrs. Beverly Fester. CLI Drill and Ceremonial, Cadet Roberta Busch of 2294 Service Battalion RC(Army)CC, Thunder Bay, ON. 

The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans, in Canada, or ANAVETS, as they abbreviate their title, is celebrating their 88th year of federal incorporation, 165 years of documented existence and is Canada’s oldest veteran’s association.  It is a national association with provincial commands and local units in many towns and cities across Canada .  It draws its membership from veterans, current and former members of the Canadian Forces, allied armed forces personnel and those Canadians in support of veterans.  Cadets who have three years of service in their cadet league and who have reached the provincial age of majority may apply for Active membership in a unit of ANAVETS, and are encouraged to do so.  

In celebration of this 88th anniversary, the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada is awarding to selected cadets the ANAVETS Cadet medal of Merit.  This is the ninth year that this annual award is being presented.  The award of the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit recognizes excellence achieved by cadets during their summer training.  

For army cadets, the ANAVETS Medal of Merit is awarded to the top cadet in each Army Cadet Leaders Instructors’ Course at the various Cadet Summer Training Centers across Canada .  

A total of just 59 ANAVETS Cadet medals of Merit will be presented this year. The recipients are in a very select group and are entitled to take pride in their achievement.  

The ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit is similar to the ANAVETS Medal of Merit, which is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a member as recognition of their service and high regard in which they are held by their peers.  The ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit recognizes excellence in the same way.

 

 

CLI Physical Education and Recreation Training, Cadet Christian Vadeanu of 2812 Seaforth Highlanders of Canada RC(Army)CC, Surrey, BC.

 

CLI Rifle Coach, Nadhiae Awad of 2981 1 Combat Engineer Regiment RC(Army)CC, Edmonton, AB.

 

 

CLI Adventure, Cadet Bryan Feschuk of 3067 6 Field Engineer Squadron Canadian Military Engineers RC(Army)CC, Lillooet, BC.

 

 

CLI Military Band, Cadet Kenneth Ernst of 2979 Electrical Mechanical Engineers RC(Army)CC, High Level, AB.

 

 

CLI Pipes and Drums, Cadet James McLean of 407 Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada RC(Army)CC, Winnipeg, MB.

 

 

 

Rear-Admiral Girouard presents the Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Annual Summer Training Centre Achievement Award for the most outstanding Section Commander or Staff Cadet Sergeant in a direct supervisory role to Cadet Christoper Thephasone from 526 Winnipeg Grenadiers RC(Army)CC, Winnipeg, MB.  This award is presented to a cadet who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, promoting drill and physical fitness, with exemplary dress and deportment, loyalty and instructional ability.

 

 

2Lt Bryanne Materi and her sister Blaire Materi present Cadet Warrant Officer Harley Shepherd from 2528 12th Manitoba Dragoons RC(Army)CC, Virden, MB, with the Blayne Materi Citizenship Award.  The award is presented to the cadet who has participated in or supported activities with the local community, who has taken a personal interest in the well being and morale of his cadets, who respects and used authority properly and maintains outstanding personal conduct.

 

Rear-Admiral Girouard and the Regimental Sergeant Major, CWO Tim Ogilvie present Cadet Warrant Officer Mark Lackey from 2551 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry RC(Army)CC, Edmonton, AB, With the RSM’s pace stick. This award goes to the most outstanding Staff Cadet, basic upon performance throughout the summer. The pace stick was presented to Vernon Army Cadet Camp by Camp Sergeants Major and Regimental Support Staff of the VACC Instructors Course of 1984. 

 

 

Cadet Master Warrant Officer Sandra Procyk of 2988 Service Battalion RC(Army)CC, Montmarte, SK is presented with the VACSTC Sword of Honour by Capt (retired) Tom Mason, accompanied by the Commanding Officer, LCol Terry Kopan. The Sword of Honour was presented to the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14 Canadian Hussars) and is now presented to the outstanding Company Sergeant Major, based upon performance throughout the summer. Cadet MWO Procyk is the Company Sergeant Major for Foxtrot Company, which trained three 2-week courses, as well as two three-week courses this summer. C/CSM Procyk will have her name engraved on the scabbard as the 31st winner of this prestigious award. What makes this year's award so unique is that C/CSM Sandra Procyk's sister, 2Lt Aimee Procyk, was also awarded the Sword of Honour previously in 2003, this is the first time siblings have ever been awarded the Sword of Honour. 

 

Mrs Leslie Kinloch accompanied by Mr. Norman Sanderson, President of the Vernon Army Cadet Camp Alumni Association and the Commanding Officer LCol Terry Kopan present Lt. Audra Bowers from 2943 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry RC(Army)CC, Campbell River, BC, with the Jr. Officer’s Sword of Excellence. The Sword is awarded to the officer who is exemplary in his or her dress and deportment, conduct as an officer, achievement, leadership abilities, physical fitness, a commitment to the Canadian Cadet Organization, the adherence to the rules, regulations and policies and who has the respect of his or her peers.

 

The reviewing officer gives his inspiring speech to the cadets, staff and audience. 

 

The Guard Fires the Feu De Joie...

 

 

... the sound echoes across the valley.

 

The lowering of the flag during the ending part of the Sunset Ceremony as "O Canada" is played followed by "God Save the Queen".

 

With the reviewing officer departed and the officers fallen out, LCol Terry Kopan prepares to hand over the parade to the RSM.

 

An important moment, C/CSM Sandra Procyk leading Foxtrot Company marches off Dieppe Square on her final time as a cadet as LCol Terry Kopan takes his final salute as CO joined by RSM Tim Ogilvie who will retire after the final parade.

 

The battalion marches by ghostly in this time exposure after the parade. (Photo: Phil Edge)

 

At B24, some cadets return one last night to their barracks. (Photo: Phil Edge)

 

In the gathering darkness, goodbyes are said.

 

Some cadets are already leaving, PPUs (Parental Pick-Ups) and the first serial means that over 100 cadets dispersed by 2200 hrs. (Photo: Phil Edge)

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Battalion in camp

Today's weather: Max Temp. 27.9c Min Temp. 7.8c sunny

This day in Canadian Military History - 

19 August 1942
Battle of Dieppe. The raid on the French port by the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division is a disaster from the beginning, with tanks getting stuck on the pebbled beach and the infantry being pinned down along the seawall of the resort town. Of the 4963 Canadians who go ashore today, 2211 return to Britain after the assault is called off. The rest are either killed or marched off into prisoner-of-war camps.

Vernon's main parade square was built in the mid 1950s and was named Dieppe Square in honour of those men of Aug 19, 1942.