Cadets on parade honour Vimy Ridge veterans in Edmonton

Army cadets were on parade in downtown Edmonton to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Sunday morning.

For the third year in a row, the teen cadets performed a vice regal salute, full inspection and march behind the Stanley A. Milner Library.

This year, the Honourable Donald S. Ethell and city councillor Amarjeet Sohi were on hand to observe the show.

Four divisions of Canadian soldiers helped capture Vimy Ridge in France on Apr. 9, 1917. More than 3,500 soldiers were killed in the operation, which is seen as a turning point in World War I.

To commemorate that victory, the Army Cadet program has incorporated a week’s worth of training and education about the battle at Vimy Ridge.

Ken Usher, with the Army Cadet League of Canada, said Vimy Ridge was significant as it was one of the first times Canada’s military participated overseas in large force.

“If it wasn’t for the Canadian soldiers on the battlefield in France, the battle of Vimy would not have been won,” he added.

Usher said continuing to celebrate that victory gives cadets a sense of pride.

“The cadet program has a bit of a history in Canada and dates back to that time, so there’s even people that were part of the cadet program back in those days and it’s always been a significant battle they’ve learned about over the years.”

Cadet groups across the country organize events each year to recognize the event.

In total, around 130 cadets participated in the demonstration in Edmonton.