Opinion By R.H. Harding
On 28 August 1999 I had the heretofore-impossible privilege of attending the Canadian Cadet Tattoo. This event was the first of its' kind, and Edmonton, Alberta was fortunate enough to host it. Although I am a proud parent of both an Air Cadet and a Sea Cadet, neither of my sons were involved in this production, so this is not the ranting of a proud papa.
From start to finish, this display of music, military skills, and pageantry was outstanding. Having over 20 years of army service myself, I tend to be overly critical of the marching skills exhibited by everyone from marching bands in parades to military units. To my wife's great delight, not a single word of criticism issued forth from my mouth for the entire four hours of the Tattoo. I couldn't have criticised if I had wanted to - from start to finish I was rendered speechless by sheer awe and delight.
All my life I have wanted to attend a live performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, complete with artillery. Now I have, with music provided by an orchestra of over 200 musicians, and percussion provided by three guns of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps. I can now go to my reward with at least one more wish fulfilled than was the case prior to the Tattoo.
Being of British and Celtic extraction, I have sometimes been heard to wonder where our traditions have gone in Canada. Unbeknownst to me, those traditions have not been lost - they have been nurtured and preserved by a fine group of young people who have, up until now, been mostly hidden away from public view. And after the spectacular display I was privileged to witness, I can't think of a finer group of stewards for my traditions.
For those who may be interested in learning more about the Canadian Cadet organization, please visit Prairie Regional Cadet Headquarters
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Have a good day, eh!
R.H. Harding
The Office Edge
