Cadets from two Yorkshire Wings have been showing their support for Armed Forces Day recently by taking major roles in both South and West Yorkshire. The massed bands of North Region along with locally based squadrons took part in a major celebration held in the middle of Leeds on 27 June 2010 and five Air Cadet Squadrons joined forces with the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron (YUAS) to give a 100+ presence in Doncaster.
The Leeds event began with a parade through the city centre on Sunday 27 June 2010. Led by the massed bands of North Region the parade wound its way through the city’s streets ending at Leeds Town Hall. At the Town Hall, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, took the salute during the march past.
A service of thanksgiving and remembrance then took place in the magnificent surroundings of Leeds Town Hall with the Air Cadets contingent along with YUAS ensuring the light blue was well represented. The service was supported by the band of the Yorkshire Volunteers who are hosted at HQ South & West Yorkshire Wing at Castleford.
Following the service and in the afternoon, a series of displays in Victoria Gardens opened allowing the participants and public to meet and share their experiences.
South & West Yorkshire Wing provided a large display tent, along with a flight simulator supported by this year’s QAIC graduates and information for any potential new recruits.
During the afternoon the massed bands split into their various components and provided music and entertainment.The final event of the day was a fly past by the Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight before the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers beat the retreat to close the celebrations.
Visit You Tube and see some video of the Leeds event Click
In Doncaster on 3 July 2010, staff and cadets from Armthorpe, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Elmsall and Thorne combined to form a large light blue contingent for the parade. Led again by Yorkshire University Air Squadron the parade made its way through the town centre before making past Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Mr David Moody and other dignitaries at the historic Mansion House.
To huge applause from thousands of members of the public who had gathered to watch, the parade moved on to the Minster Church of St George for a service. After the service the congregation assembled on the West Lawn of the Minster, where the Armed Forces Day flag had flown. As a bugler played last post, three cadets from the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Cadets carefully lowered the flag as the regimental, association and squadron’s banners dipped in silent tribute.
The afternoon saw a series of events and displays held in the Mansion House and local and military bands playing at various venues around the precinct area giving the whole town a military feel. Many service personnel and cadets stayed in town in this informal setting to enjoy the afternoon sunshine and fly the flag for Britain’s armed forces, veterans and cadet forces.
Attending both the Leeds and Doncaster events, North Region Media & Communications Officer, Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth said, “Armed Forces Day has in recent years become a significant date in the calendar. It is a celebration of the service and courage of our forces, past present and future. The cadet forces play an important and increasingly significant part in making these events what they are. With the parent services so committed to operations, it is vital that we remember the sacrifices they are making daily as well as celebrating their commitment and dedication. I was hugely impressed with the massive contribution the Air Cadets made to both the Leeds and Doncaster events and look forward to next year’s celebration being bigger and better.”
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