Cadets prepare for Remembrance Day ceremonies

Members of the 859 Crowsnest Pincher Creek Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets are preparing for Remembrance Day with pride and purpose. Their participation represents a program dedicated to developing young leaders in southwestern Alberta.

Remembrance Day is a central part of the squadron’s calendar. Cadets participate in ceremonies at Crowsnest Consolidated High School in Coleman and local Legion branches, learning the significance of the poppy, honouring veterans and representing their community.

The 21 cadets will appear in uniform and provide service with honour guard duties, raising flags and laying wreaths.

“They know exactly what they have to do and how to salute. They’ve got good instructors,” says Lt. Anna McNeil, the squadron’s commanding officer.

The cadets receive extensive training for these solemn occasions from experienced instructors, including former cadets and veterans who teach proper salute protocols and ceremonial conduct. They also assist local Legion branches with poppy sales.

Growing program builds future leaders

The squadron has experienced significant growth in recent years, with enrolment jumping to 21 cadets this year. The increase indicates growing interest among youth in Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek and surrounding communities.

Cadets aged 12 to 18 meet weekly on Wednesdays for classes and drill, with some lessons held virtually in co-operation with a squadron from Taber.

“Taber is a smaller unit like us. They have a smaller amount of staff like us, so we share resources,” McNeil says. “It makes it a lot easier on the staff and the cadets as well.”

The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on activities, including survival training, glider flights and marksmanship — all aimed at building discipline, teamwork and confidence.

Weekend activities provide practical leadership experience through survival exercises and flight training. The squadron offers glider and powered flight scholarships through the Air Cadet League, allowing cadets to earn licences at no cost to their families.

Despite its military foundation, cadets face no obligation to pursue military careers.

“We like to teach them to be good leaders and good citizens,” McNeil explains. “We teach them survival, but the main goal is to teach them to be good leaders and good citizens.”

Weekend activities complement weekly lessons, including survival exercises and glider flights. These experiences give cadets hands-on learning and practical skills for leadership and teamwork.

Community involvement

Beyond Remembrance Day, the squadron participates in other community events and projects.

Cadets volunteered Nov. 1 with Pumpkins in the Park at Flumerfelt Park in Coleman. They helped ensure visitor safety along the trails by guiding families through the displays.

This type of volunteer experience reinforces the program’s emphasis on community service while giving cadets real-world leadership experience.

Longtime leader prepares for retirement

McNeil, who has devoted nearly four decades to the squadron, will retire in December upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.

“It’s enjoyable, but I’ll be a month and a half shy of a full 39 years of working with these cadets,” she says. “It’s time for some me time now.”

Her retirement marks the end of an era for the squadron, but the foundation she’s helped build ensures the program will continue developing young leaders for years to come.

Youth interested in learning more can contact Lt. McNeil at 204-793-2571.

Read the complete 2025 Shootin’ the Breeze Remembrance Day Feature

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This article was reported and written by Shootin’ the Breeze’s Local Journalism Initiative reporter.

The Local Journalism Initiative is a federally funded program that supports original public-interest journalism in smaller or underserved communities across Canada. Content produced through the initiative is editorially independent and may be shared by other Canadian media outlets.

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