Province Celebrates First Cadet Day

Nova Scotians from across the province gathered, today, Nov. 6, to recognize and celebrate hundreds of cadets during the province's inaugural cadet day.

The legislature passed the Sea, Army, Air and Navy League Cadets Day Act earlier this year. It set aside the first Saturday in November to honour cadets and the volunteers and supporters of the cadet program.

"Our young people are our future, and the valuable life and work skills -- such as teamwork, leadership, good citizenship and physical fitness -- that they learn in cadets will benefit them throughout their lives," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "As a former cadet, I put into practice what I learned as a cadet each and every day."

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis, the Premier's Office, cadets, officials and guests participated in a flag-raising at Province House.

Sea, Army, and Air Cadets are national programs for youth age d 12 to 18. They are a partnership between three civilian organizations -- Navy League, Army Cadet League and Air Cadet League -- and the Canadian Forces. The Navy League also sponsors the Navy League Cadets for youth age d 9 to 13.

Sea, Army, and Air Cadets offer fun and challenging experiences that develop good citizenship and leadership, while promoting physical fitness and awareness of the role of the Canadian Forces. Navy League Cadets uses a naval theme as it develops patriotism, good citizenship, self-discipline and respect without a military component.

"Cadets is the best program ever: you learn so much, grow as a person, and even benefit your community while you're doing it," says 16-year-old Warrant Officer Mashael Saleh, a Dartmouth teen who arrived home earlier this week from a three-week expedition to Mount Everest with the Army Cadets. "I've met new people and travelled all over the world with Cadets, and I think cadet day will help get the word out about the program and encourage people to take advantage of the many opportunities."

There are 3,600 Sea, Army, and Air Cadets in 86 corps and squadrons across Nova Scotia with a history that dates back more than a century. Navy League Cadets began in 1948, and 125 young people now take part in the program.

Among the notable Nova Scotians who have been cadets are former premier John Hamm, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly and country singer George Canyon.

More information on Sea, Army, and Air Cadets can be found at www.cadets.ca while more on Navy League Cadets can be found at www.navyleague.ca.