Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 22/11/2010 14:18

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service cadets from the Saltash branch have travelled over to Ypres in Belgium to represent CFRS at the annual remembrance parade at the Menin Gate, Last Post Ceremony.

Each year the branch selects four cadets to travel over with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Ceremonial band. This year, a total of seven cadets made the trip as three of the cadets now play in the band itself.

During the four day trip, the cadets took part in three formal marches which attracted people from across the world and involved mess brigade bands and over 1,000 marchers.

Community Fire Safety Officer Darren Berrey said: “As leader of the cadets I travel with them each year and see it as the most worthwhile of our trips. Cadets see on television the impact of the first and second world wars, but it is not until you visit places such as the Menin Gate that these young cadets really get to understand what was given up by so many for our future.

Each year the cadets march side by side with veterans from all conflicts, and return with comments such as ‘life changing’ and ‘unforgettable’. Following the trip, cadets structure a presentation of the events and tour local British Legion Clubs informing the veterans who were unable to travel due to age, health or cost, about the experience.”

The cadets are self funding and raise funds for the trip through community events.