The 2458 Rocky Mountain Rangers hosted their 2011 Annual Ceremonial Review at the Revelstoke Community Centre on Sunday.
Guests were treated to rifle drills, a mass band performance, a new confidence course demonstration and drum line performances from the 2458 Revelstoke Drum Line and the 3066 Enderby Drum Line.
Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks served as the reviewing officer. "Thank you for the opportunity to attend the annual ceremonial review of the Revelstoke army cadets," Wilks said. "This is a very proud moments in your lives."
Wilks recounted a recent speech to Canadian cadets by General Walter J. Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Forces. "His words speak volumes. General Natynczyk told the cadets he started out just like them. At age 12 he donned a light-blue air cadets uniform. 'The best decision I ever made was becoming a cadet.' He said that that decision was made on the basis of wanting to become involved with a group and wanting to contribute to the community.
"He talked about the importance of setting goals, working hard, taking advantage of opportunities, and contributing to society. Push yourselves; push yourselves to learn and to lead. You've got to look at those opportunities, and grab them," Wilks said.
He congratulated the 2458 Cadets for their achievements. "You are the future leaders of our country," Wilks said. "And finally, as the general said, in 40 years from now, any one of you could be the chief of defence staff."
Following parade drills, the cadets showed off demonstrations at booths set up in the next room. Displays included shooting skills, music, bushcraft, first aid, abseiling, outdoorsmanship and more.