OTTAWA – November 11 appears in the hearts of the Cadets of the only French squadron in the federal capital. This day, which coincides with the end of the First World War, reflects more widely the sacrifices made by Canadians who died in combat. A past that these young people capture in the present and strive to spread the values.
They have been on the move in recent days in the poppy distribution campaign and are taking part in commemorative ceremonies this Monday… The Cadets are not losing a chance to pay tribute to the Canadian soldiers who defended the country. This is the case of Zoé, Gabriel and Panwat, all from 925 Edmond-Lanther Squadron, a French unit created in Ottawa last spring.
“It’s a day to remember all the people who have served and allowed us to enjoy the freedom and peace we have,” said Zoé Charbonneau, 17, sergeant of the section.
“They showed us that you have to fight for what you want, whether it’s peace, opportunity or whatever, and not just accept defeat, because you have people to protect. We have to fight for our goal. »
A vision that Gabriel Guénette fully adheres to, coming from a military family and whose father, a pilot, served in Afghanistan. “These are people who fought for our rights, our freedom and a better world. We must remember this because, without them, we would not have all of this today. Their actions have influenced everything we do today in our lives,” said this section of the corporation, aged 14.
However, in civilian life, not all young people are so prepared for this day of remembrance, they note. That’s why Panwat Morgan, 18 years old, Warrant Officer 2e class, using social media to raise community awareness about the history of wars and military involvement.
“Social networks have a huge influence on young people. So, I use it to inspire, to tell, to spread, to reach as many people as possible on the military aspects, the symbolism of the poppy and the actions that they are less familiar with,” reporting on the woman whose soldier grandfather traveled around the world: Egypt, Afghanistan… “He would be very proud of me,” she admits.
She greatly encourages the new generation to take an interest in Canadian history. “Everyone should have this common knowledge, because the reason we are here today comes from past events. »
“Some people think that these are just words, others are uncertain, many understand,” Gabriel Guénette says around him. Later the young man thinks he is a pilot or an engineer.
“As long as we have cadet programs, the duty to remember will continue,” Zoé Charbonneau believes, even if fewer and fewer veterans of major conflicts are able to tell what they experienced. In fact, Ontario only had 11,000 veterans who served in so many wars, including World War II and the Korean War, according to the 2021 census (25,500 in the country), suggesting a share lack of soldiers and direct witnesses who can speak French in the province.
The opportunities to interact with veterans or listen to their stories often remain valuable and inspiring moments for them. “It celebrates you to see people who built our country,” Zoé confirms. Listening to war stories is very moving. We feel proud to be in Canada. »
Being close to veterans, as well as gaining confidence-building knowledge and skills, are the main goals of the Cadet program.
“These are activities mainly focused on leadership and citizenship through which we explain to young people between 12 and 18 the context of world wars, conflicts and peace missions,” said Major Sylvain Beaudry, who is commanding the Squadron 925 Edmond-Lantier. We also make them aware of giving time to veterans and poppy activities. »
That’s why many of them will be involved, this November 11, in ceremonies and marches in Ontario and beyond, to pay tribute to Canada’s heroes.
2024-11-11 14:15:00
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