Three Princeton Air Cadets who are members of the 259 Panther, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron of Penticton, had the honour of participating in the half-time Salute to Veterans and Military Valour during the BC Lions vs Saskatchewan Roughriders game held at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Saturday, Nov. 3.
The salute was presented by the BC Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Leading the salute was the Royal Canadian Navy Band followed by bands from all over B.C., including Canadian Forces Brigade bands, Regimental Association bands, First Responder bands, Legion, Cadet and community bands. Lining both sides of the field were ceremonial guards from the RCMP, Vancouver Police Department, B.C. Sherriffs Department and the Vancouver Fire Department.
Nick Cherot, Kendra Hill and Destiny Earle along with their squadron joined numerous Air, Navy and Army Cadets as the ceremonial colour parties lead Veterans onto the field.
Veterans present for the salute served in the Second World War, the Korean War, U.N. Nato Operations, Peacekeeping Operations, the Afghanistan War, Reservists and Legionnaires.
Along the sides of the field riding in military vehicles were Veterans and members of the Canadian Military Remembrance Society, the Western Command Military Vehicle Historical Society, then joined by the Canadian Army Veterans Motor Unit, who rode in on their motorcycles.
Vocalist Stephanie Greaves sang “Amazing Grace” followed by a Musket Volley by the 78th Fraser Highlanders Honour Guard which brought the salute to a close.
“It was awesome,” said Destiny Earle when speaking of the experience.
She said that it was exciting to be a part of and that it was fun to meet Cadets from all over B.C.
20 of the various Cadets held the Canadian Flag in center field while the remaining Cadets marched in the ceremony.
After the salute the Cadets enjoyed the remainder of the final game of the regular season.
If you wish to view the video of the salute please visit www.bclions.com and choose the Salute to Veterans halftime show.