Warwickshire ACF Cadets parading at the National Arboretum

Warwickshire Cadets visit National Arboretum

On Saturday 20th April, Cadets from Warwickshire and West Midland (SS) Army Cadet Force visited the National Arboretum to learn about our history and pay respect to the fallen.

The Army Cadets offers many opportunities and life experiences to our young people including adventurous training, leadership development and life skills. A significant part of our curriculum is focused on character development and we are very proud of the young citizens our cadets become through their membership of our organisation.

British Values in action

This week, as part of our British Values development, Cadets from Minden Company, Warwickshire and West Midlands (SS) ACF, had the opportunity to attend the National Arboretum. Here they were privileged to hear about the history of the site as well as how the fallen are remembered and the way in which the site is maintained and cared for; This included a tour of the site and time to respectfully explore. They then participated in a parade to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms we enjoy today.

"I found the parade and experience very moving. To learn that many of those who died were so young was something I had known but only really struck me when I was walking around to pay my respects. The minutes silence after the bugle played was so powerful".
A Cadet

Remembering the fallen

Three generations were present for the parade and the young people asked insightful questions throughout the educational phase. We encouraged our Cadets to reflect on the awful impact of war and the importance of inclusion and respect for all. One Cadet commented that even the NAAFI memorial remembers more than 550 staff members lost in WW2. This awareness is so important and there were mature conversations about the events that led to world conflict in the past as well as the choice to serve made by so many.

"It was incredible to watch the way our Cadets showed their respect at this event. Their behaviour was exemplary and they showed genuine curiosity and self reflection throughout the event. I always find the bugle playing emotional and it is heartening to see that the next generation of our community continue to honour our history and learn from it."
Lt Charlie Hale

Young Citizens

Our Cadets came back from the event with a greater depth of knowledge about the Arboretum itself and about the history and impact of conflict in general. Our responsibility as an organisation is to help prepare the young citizens and leaders of the future. Seeing the Cadets in action today is a reminder that the youth of today is engaged in understanding and seeking a better future for the world in general and our communities in particular; they care deeply and are motivated to become future leaders whose values will have a positive impact on their own lives and the workplaces and communities they will belong to.

A member of the National Arboretum team said, "It has been fantastic to have so many young people here today, paying their respects and learning about our history. Their behaviour has been exemplary and Warwickshire and West Midlands ACF are welcome here any time. Well done all!"
The National Arboretum Team