Province Celebrates Cadet Day
Young Nova Scotians across the province are celebrating the second annual Cadet Day today, Nov. 5.
"Young cadets give back to their communities every day," said MLA Becky Kent, on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter, who is also the Minister responsible for Military Relations. "Through citizenship, teamwork and leadership, cadets help make Nova Scotia a better, more respectful place."
The first Saturday in November honours cadets and the volunteers and supporters of the program, as proclaimed in the Sea, Army, Air and Navy League Cadets Day Act.
Sea, Army, and Air Cadets are national programs for youth age 12 to 18. They are a partnership between three civilian organizations -- the 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 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 use a nautical theme as to develop patriotism, good citizenship, self-discipline and respect for others.
"I'm very passionate about Cadets and have been since I joined six years ago," says 18-year-old air cadet Holly Smith of Halifax. "I've done some amazing things like earning my pilot's licence and travelling on international exchange to California with cadets from all over the world. Cadet Day is a really great opportunity for cadets like me to give back to the community and show them what great things the program is doing."
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 150 young people now take part in the program in four corps across the province.
Premier Dexter is a former cadet, along with other notable Nova Scotians including 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 . More on Navy League Cadets can be found at www.navyleague.ca .