CADETS ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Northern Ireland Army Cadets marked Commonwealth Day by flying the Commonwealth flag on top of Slieve Donard.

The venture was echoed on the highest peaks of Scotland, Wales and England as, for the first time, Cadets across the country joined in official celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day – Monday 13 March 2017.  In doing so they became part of an international initiative as more than 950 Commonwealth flags were raised around the world in a shared celebration of a family of nations that circles the globe.

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Originator and Commonwealth Pageantmaster of ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’, said: “I am amazed how quickly this event has caught the public imagination in the UK and around the Commonwealth. We are only in our fourth year, and the involvement of the Army Cadet Force this year, along with the participation of so many people of all ages and from all walks of life, shows the enormous potential of this project and of the Commonwealth. It is a positive and uplifting way for people to link with and assist fellow citizens of the Commonwealth in a family that spans across oceans and continents. There is a real sense of promise, and hope for the future in this current troubled world of ours.”

The ACF’s Deputy Commander Cadets, Brigadier Matthew Lowe, said: “The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s leading voluntary youth organisations, with a mission to inspire young people – from all sorts of backgrounds – to challenge their limits, become more independent, confident and able to step up to any challenge. Our cadets also develop a strong understanding of the importance of international peace and security which makes us especially proud to be playing such a key role in the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth celebration.”

Pictured above:  Cadet Company Sergeant Major Lucy Martin from Killyleagh Detachment; Cadet Colour Sergeant Erin McCloskey from Lurgan Open Detachment and Cadet Sergeants Alexander Lane and Charlie Griffith, both from Ballygowan Detachment Army Cadet Force were delighted to be part of a big day which also gave support to the Make-A-Wish charity which makes dreams come true for children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions … something which made the climb feel even more worthwhile!