For anyone looking for a virtual preview of what awaits us at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Google Canada has delivered.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/google-street-view-offers-never-before-seen-look-at-vimy-ridge-1.3357547

Peter Mansbridge offers a sombre perspective on the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This is definitely worth a read as we approach the 100th Anniversary on Sunday. 

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/why-vimy-matters-peter-mansbridge-on-a-battle-that-defined-us-1.4056108

All cadets participating in the Vimy Cadet Trip in October 2017, are required to attend the Squadron’s Information Night on Thurs April 6th at St. Mark’s Church – Addison Hall. The presentation begins at 630pm – so cadets need to be there NLT 6pm. Dress is C-1. Get a HAIRCUT this wknd – so it’s set for CO’s parade on Wed and Thurs’ presentation.

The information night has been promoted in the St. Catharines Standard and the Niagara Advance. “An informative discussion remembering the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Members of the 809 Newark Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets, along with their Special Guest, Heritage Architect Julian Smith, will discuss the events of 100 years ago and the monument that stands there today. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.”

Cadets will be speaking to the general public. We are not interested in lengthy talks – only informative, concise facts about Vimy and the Memorial. WOII Giansante – there will be an Order of Ceremonies for you to follow. Capt Palumbo will be introducing the Cadet Squadron as a whole, then we will move into the cadet presentations and the talk by Mr Julian Smith – who helped to restore the Vimy Monument and is a local resident of Queenston.

Parents are encouraged to stay for the duration of the evening. Probably 1-1.5hrs depending on the number of people who attend.

Cadet assignments for the presentation are as follows:

• MC: WOII Giansante
• Greeting, Seating, Set-up, Tear-Down: FSgt Lett, FSgt Griffin
• Slideshow Presentation: FSgt Zalepa & Cpl Hill
• 2 min presentation about one of the following:
  1. History of the Monument: Sgt Couroux, Sgt Carbone, FCpl Gowans
  2. Local Niagara Resident who was at Vimy Ridge: FCpl Lett
  3. What the trip means to me: Cpl Abt

Contact Capt Palumbo via email if you have any questions – some assignments were verbally discussed but not written down. Send me an email to remind me what they are!

Wednesday night – we will have a brief meeting before closing parade to ensure we are ready for Thursday night.

The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum in London has developed an immersive virtual reality exhibit in commemoration of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This sort of experience is only the beginning of what virtual reality and augmented reality can offer. Thank you, CI Carbone for mentioning it!

Vimy Ridge Goes Virtual

We’ve reached the point where we’re ready to book our flights for the Vimy trip in October! Yes, folks, it’s slowly but surely becoming a reality.

In order to make the booking, I will need passport information for each person who will be going on the trip. What we need immediately is each person’s name exactly as it appears on their passport and their dates of birth. Ultimately, we will need full passport information and so I’m gathering photocopies of each person’s passport tonight. Please accept my apology for the short notice.

If you have a passport that expires before 15 April 2018, you will need to apply for a new one immediately.

I will be in the office from 7-9pm to collect all of the necessary information and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

We are slowly getting closer to our amazing trip coming up in October. Parents are reminded that payments are due the first Wed of each month between now and September.

Post-dated cheques are recommended so that you don’t miss a week – and to spread out the cost more evenly. Cash is also accepted if you prefer. The money MUST be given to Mrs. Lett – our Sqn Treasurer – it cannot be left in the office. She will be out this Wed to accept payments at the beginning and end of the training night.

Fundraising opportunities will be discussed at the March Parent Meeting for the Vimy trip – the last Wed in March. Before that meeting, members of the Sponsoring Committee will be contacting each family to solicit interest in organizing a fundraising event/campaign. Please let them know your availability/area of expertise to help plan and run what will reduce the cost of the trip for each family.