More than 82,000 cadets have marked remembrance at commemorations across the UK as a new generation steps up to thanks Britain’s war heroes.
The huge turnout of cadets, including 26,300 Royal Air Force Air Cadets, demonstrates a steadfast commitment among young people to service and community.
Their well-rehearsed drill and discipline on parade show how tradition endures, even as the cadet forces modernise and expand to give more young people skills for life.
The government has set out plans to expand the number of cadets by 30%, or 41,000 young people, by 2030. This will help drive community renewal and resilience and erase barriers to opportunity.
A funding uplift of £70 million will broaden access to the cadets across all four nations while extending the qualifications and development opportunities available to members, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).
Lorraine Kelly, broadcaster and National Honorary Colonel Army Cadet Force said:
“The cadets on parade this Armistice Day are the pride of our nation.
They are the youngest guardians of remembrance, of the freedoms our sailors, soldiers and aviators fought for. They are also future leaders of bright, flourishing and united communities.
I am constantly impressed by the maturity, poise and spirit of these young people, and how they have been shaped by their experiences in the cadets.”
Defence Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:
“It is brilliant to see so many cadets join serving personnel and veterans to pay tribute to those who fought and died for our freedoms.
Joining the cadets is for many young people a lifechanging decision, opening the way to new experiences and skills and helping them discover their potential.
£70 million is being invested in our cadet forces to ensure many more young people have the chance to gain qualifications, improve their confidence, and learn about the military.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:
“Remembrance reconnects the country with our Armed Forces. The huge cadet contribution to the nation’s remembrance events shows the support and respect for the Armed Forces from across different generations and communities.
A strong link between the Armed Forces and the communities we serve strengthens our ability to keep the country safe and protect our values.”
The contribution of cadets to remembrance parade provides a blueprint for future generations as the government embarks on the most ambitious plans in decades to expand the cadet forces.
The cadet forces will recruit more adult volunteers, who are instrumental to the running of the cadet forces. They provide guidance, training and support to cadets.
The announcement followed the Strategic Defence Review, which placed an emphasis on a whole-of-society approach to strengthening UK defence and reconnecting communities with the Armed Forces.
Air Commodore Lewis, Commandant RAF Air Cadets said :
“What an incredible sight to see over 26,000 RAF Air Cadets on parade this weekend – smart, respectful, and representing us with pride at both national and hundreds of local events. This is more than a display of excellence; it’s a powerful reminder of the vital connections we maintain with communities, something the RAF Air Cadets is uniquely placed to deliver. Thank you to every cadet and volunteer who made this possible – you make us what we are. Really well done.”
The figure of 82,000 includes cadets on parade on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day at community commemorations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The total comprises 18,400 Royal Navy and Royal Marines cadets, 38,000 Army cadets and 26,300 Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
120 cadets attended the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Cadets also took part in the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, representing the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force.
124 (Hereford City) Sqn took part in two special events over the period of Remembrance. On the 6 November Flight Sergeant Daniel Rees (Officer Commanding 124 Sqn) was at the unveiling of an RAF Air Cadet plot in the RAF Section of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. He was introduced to HM the Queen, who was very interested in the new plot.
124 Squadron was also involved in the Poppies to Paddington service, in which poppy wreaths travel from every corner of the Great Western Railway network to be placed at the War Memorial at Paddington Station. Each wreath represents the towns and villages connected by the railway lines that once carried soldiers to war. Under the command of Fg Off Andy Taylor, the staff and cadets were introduced to HM the Queen Camilla.
Cadet forces have a vital role to play in celebrating the link between the Armed Forces and the local communities they serve and demonstrating how defence contributes to skills, employment and opportunity in every part of the UK.