Cadets Ceremonial Parade and Dinner
For the first time since the Shore unit was established in 1908, the annual Ceremonial Parade was led by two female Cadets from Wenona.
Parade Commander, CUO Charlotte and Parade 2IC, CUO Georgia, both in Year 12 at Wenona, proudly led the Parade. CUO Charlotte (Year 12) reports on the significance and the honour of the event.
“The Ceremonial Parade is a great demonstration of the hard work, dedication and precision that the Wenona and Shore Cadets strive to uphold. Held on Friday 15 of March, this year’s parade reflected a high standard of dress, drill and bearing, and was a chance for cadets to celebrate the achievements of the unit and exhibit the self-discipline that is required to perform in the parade.
Prior to the parade, all Year 10 to 12 cadets participated in weekly Monday afternoon trainings to polish their drill skills and ensure the unit would perform to its highest standard.
The parade includes multiple drill manoeuvres such as a march past and forms, all of which is accompanied by music from the Shore Cadet Unit band and inspected by a Reviewing Officer. This year, the parade was reviewed by Colonel Richard Morgan, National Assistant Commander, Australian Army Cadets. The Reviewing Officer plays a key role in the parade as they assess the standard of drill, dress and bearing performed.
A few Wenona cadets were also presented with awards during the parade, which is a reflection of the hard work and dedication they have put in over the past year.
Another part of the celebrations is the Dining-In Night, held at Shore in the evening after the parade. The dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the graduating cadet cohort and reflect on the memorable moments the Cadet program has created.
This year we had the largest Dining-In-Night to record, with over 80 Year 12 cadets plus their parents attending, as well as many staff members and special guests, notably Colonel (AAC) Morgan, Dr Scott and Dr Wright. The night is filled with speeches, toasts, tradition and lovely food and was a great way to conclude our time with the Shore Cadet Unit.
Overall, the Ceremonial Parade and Dining-In Night was a great experience for all involved and was a great showcase of the values that unit strives to uphold; courage, initiative, teamwork, respect. I would highly recommend watching the Ceremonial Parade next year if you get the chance as it is a truly wonderful showcase of the unit and all those in it.”
CUO Charlotte (Year 12)
Prefect 2018/19