Wallin shares passion for military at Ceremonial Review
Senator Pamela Wallin delivered a passionate endorsement of Canada’s military and the Cadet program during a special ceremony in Swift Current on Saturday.
Wallin was the Reviewing Officer during the annual Ceremonial Review of the 259 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Drylander, 605 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Tarry Squadron, and 128 Navy League Cadet Corps Prairie Schooner. It was the second annual joint Ceremonial Review for the three cadet organizations at the Lt. Colonel Clifton Recreation Centre.
Wallin, who was named an Honourary Colonel in Canada’s Air Force in 2009, and has served on the Senate Security and Defense Committee, has a passion for Canada’s military.
“These two roles have given me a unique perspective on our military and a chance to meet some amazing people who day in and day out work to protect us from a life of fear and protect us from threats of all kinds.”
“I could have talked for an hour today about what I have seen of our men and women in uniform and how they have changed the image and the reputation of Canada, again, for the better,” she said following Saturday’s ceremonial review. “We’re back at the table being respected international players because of what our men and women do. And they’re in turn an example for the cadets, whether the cadets choose a military career or not, it doesn’t matter. They will bring those skills and that discipline, and the appreciation/understanding of a military in your country.
“We all can pay attention to the troops when a combat mission is underway, and then it kind of disappears and falls from people’s minds a little bit. The cadet program keeps it real and keeps that connection to communities.”
She gave a 15-minute address to the group of 35 Swift Current cadets, pointing out the importance of their efforts.
“You are fine examples of what young Canadians should be,” she told the cadets. “I know the training you receive here will serve you well, whichever course you take.”
Wallin noted that a number of high ranking Canadian military leaders started as cadets, including the former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Forces General Walt Natynczyk, Major-General Jon Vance who has served as Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff at the National Defence Headquarters, plus astronaut Chris Hadfield.
“I’m sure some of you here today will follow a similar path, joining the regular or reserve force. Our Canadian Armed Forces need fine young people like you to be the leadership of tomorrow. But you may decide to pursue other careers or professions, but you will be at an advantage because you will have learned valuable lessons here as cadets, and it will help you take charge and rise above wherever you go and whatever you do.”
Wallin, who was appointed to the Senate in 2008 after a long media career which included a stink at host of Canada AM and co-anchor of the CTV prime time news, also saluted the officers who guide the Cadets.
“Most of these people in the room get up in the morning and want to make a difference in their community or they wouldn’t be this active - the volunteer leadership, the Legion that supports it, the community businesses that are supporting it. This is really important.”
She hoped that the awards handed out during the review continued to inspire the cadets to do more.
“This is really important. To single out people that have particular leadership skills is not only good for them, but it’s an incentive to the younger ones that are standing there and thinking ‘ maybe next year that’ll be me, or the year after that.’ It just really has that melt down effect, which is what you’re trying to achieve.”