Commentary
As a Canadian of my generation, I remember the impact of hearing from World War II veterans during Remembrance Day ceremonies in school. The stories and experiences shared by these veterans left a lasting impression on me. However, as time passes and many of these veterans are no longer with us, my children do not have the same opportunities to hear directly from those who served.
Rohmer is a true icon, and his participation in the ceremony holds significant meaning for all in attendance. It is a reminder that as time goes on, we will sadly lose the opportunity to hear directly from those who fought for our freedoms in World War II and 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
Recognizing our war heroes during Remembrance Day is crucial. However, as we honor our oldest veterans, let’s also acknowledge the importance of programs that involve younger generations, such as the Canadian cadets.
The cadets, comprised of 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.
In addition to these soft skills, cadets also learn practical activities such as sailing, kayaking, orienteering, flying, and aerospace studies.
A CBC story from British Columbia highlighted the increasing enrollment in the cadets program, with many families seeking structured programs that impart hard skills and uphold firm values.
In a time where public education systems face challenges, the cadets programs offer a beacon of hope in instilling important values in youth.
Regardless of the introduction of voluntary service for young people, the values promoted by the cadets programs are essential in shaping responsible and respectful individuals.
As we approach Remembrance Day, let us reflect on the significance of instilling these values in our youth and the importance of honoring those who have fought for our freedoms.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link
