November is a poignant time of year when the nation reflects on past and present conflicts, and the contributions the Armed Forces continue to make each and every day. For the Army Cadet Force, it’s a time when cadets can be seen taking part in fundraising, parades and special events - with this year being no different.
Army Cadets Go Further For Remembrance
The task of organising activities for cadets and taking part in community events is carried out by ACF adult volunteers. Many detachments need more volunteers so if you have time to spare find out more about becoming an adult volunteer.
In the community
In the run-up to Remembrance Sunday cadets often get involved in helping to maintain and restore local war memorials. ACF cadets, adult volunteers and bands also play an important part in local community events. Often the ACF is the only uniformed presence at local events, so cadets help to demonstrate the benefits of Army values and to remind the public of the important work the UK's Armed Forces are currently undertaking around the world.
Working with the Royal British Legion (RBL)
The RBL is the nation’s custodian of remembrance, ensuring that people remember those who have given their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.
Over 400 ACF detachments are affiliated with their local Royal British Legion branch. This gives detachments opportunities for their cadets to take part in visits and events and to find out about RBL’s work and how it works with other service charities - such as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the Regimental Associations - to support the service and ex-service community.
Poppy Appeal fundraising
ACF cadets and adults fundraise throughout the year for a wide range of charities – those that support the services are popular choices.
Every year cadets help to raise thousands of pounds towards the Royal British Legion annual Poppy Appeal by selling poppies in local town centres, supermarkets and at local events. It gives the cadets the opportunity to interact with their wider communities and to make a lasting contribution to Remembrance by raising funds for service personnel and their families.
National events
Besides taking part in local activities, ACF cadets from around the UK may get the opportunity to take part in major national events held in London, such as the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cenotaph Parade on Remembrance Sunday.
First World War Centenary
Since the start of the First World War Centenary cadets have been taking part in all sorts of activities, including: finding out about local military heroes; researching and visiting WW1 battlefields; planting trees to support the Woodland Trust’s centenary project; preserving war memorials and taking part in local centenary projects.
To mark the end of the Centenary in 2018, the ACF is organising visits for 5,000 cadets to the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, 96 ACF cadets are taking part in Lord Dannatt's Round Britain Challenge, and ACF adult volunteers will be helping to organise a range of other special events throughout the year.
