B7

Cdt. Mikaela Pickford - Army Cadet Dispatches

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The Tuesday after our bush exercise our corps had a sports night. I was the first person at the armories. But our officers were late. This was weird, because there's always someone there to let us in. After waiting for a little while we drove away, and when we came back the officers were there and everyone was inside in the middle of playing Cat and Mouse. At first I had no idea what was happening but eventually I caught on and after that sports night was soooo much fun.

Enlarge Photo

Wendy Patterson photo

Cdt. Mikaela Pickford of the 3037 army cadets colour party carries the corps banner during the Remembrance Day ceremony.

I asked around to see why the officers were late. When we fell in for announcements our commanding officer told us. Some of the officers were late because there was an accident on the bridge and they couldn't get across the river. But Captain White, our CO, was late because he was in CFB Gagetown, where he was talking to other officers from army cadets and air cadets about... us. He was planning activities for our corps and he said the officers in Gagetown were really happy with us.

Then we talked about promotions, our upcoming CO's parade, and our flag party. That's when I found out that I would get to carry the Canadian Flag. I was so happy. After our announcements we played soccer and basketball.

I never thought cadets would be so much fun, but I guess I was wrong.

Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day it was snowing (lucky us). We were suppose to march down to the civic center but it was to cold so my parents drove me there. As if the snow wasn't enough I forgot the holder for my flag (I was suppose to carry the corps banner) — I thought I put it in the van but I was wrong. I thought the day was only going to get worse from there, but it didn't. I found another holder, and went to practice. At first I was messed up but I got a hold of it. So I did the ceremony and I messed up a couple of times but I don't think anyone noticed.

It was hard having all of those people looking at you. I started to feel sick, but I made it through.

After that ceremony we had to go to a ceremony in Sunny Corner. I brought along some friends — by the time we got there it was time to form up. There weren't that many people there, so I was good. After the ceremony we ate supper and talked. My dad and I caught up with an old army friend and we hung out. Soon it was time to go home but I will never forget that day. And it just goes to show you that at cadets no day is a bad day.