In Their Footsteps: Essex Army Cadets Remember 2025

Essex Army Cadets marched in the Remembrance Parade, honoring fallen heroes with a two-minute silence to reflect on sacrifice and service.

On a crisp November morning, the Essex Army Cadets joined veterans, dignitaries, and fellow youth organizations in a solemn act of remembrance. The annual Remembrance Parade, held to honor those who served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present, brought communities together in reflection and gratitude.

Cadets from across Essex proudly donned their uniforms and marched with precision and respect through the heart of their local towns. They paid tribute to fallen heroes with a two-minute silence, heartfelt readings, and the traditional wreath-laying ceremony.

Wreath laying is a symbolic gesture of remembrance and respect, where floral tributes, often made of poppies, are placed at memorials to honor those who lost their lives in service. Each wreath represents a collective promise: that their sacrifice will never be forgotten

For many cadets, this was a deeply personal experience; a chance to connect with history, show respect, and represent the values of service and remembrance. The parade routes throughout Essex were lined with supportive spectators, echoed with the sound of marching boots and the solemn silence, reminding all of the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom.
The Essex Army Cadets were honored to take part in this meaningful tradition, standing shoulder to shoulder with their community in remembrance and pride.

Read more about each parade:

Six cadets and two Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), led by SI Robert Evans, joined forces with the Harlow detachment for this year’s Epping Remembrance Parade. Together, they marched from the school to the war memorial, demonstrating unity, discipline, and respect as they honoured those who served. The joint participation highlighted the strength of collaboration across detachments in commemorating this important occasion.

They did smart drill and represented the detachment with perfectionism.

Under the leadership of 2Lt Tracy Freeman, cadets and CFAVs from Maldon, Harlow, and Dunmow came together to honour Remembrance Day across two locations.

Maldon: 7 cadets and 2 CFAVs represented the detachment with pride and respect.
Stow Maries Aerodrome: 8 cadets and 6 CFAVs attended the commemorative event, contributing to a dignified and meaningful tribute.

Their collective presence across both sites demonstrated a strong commitment to remembrance and community engagement.

I was extremely proud of Cdt Buckle for being the Banner bearer twice in one day. He did a great job. After not feeling well at the morning parade, Cdt Jackson laid the wreath. I'm proud of all of the cadets & CFAVs that attended.

Led by Lieutenant Caroline Jones, 14 cadets and four Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) took part in the Billericay Remembrance Parade, which included a procession along the High Street and a solemn service at the war memorial. The day began with a church service, during which one cadet delivered a heartfelt reading. During the wreath-laying ceremony, two cadets from the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and two from the Air Training Corps (ATC) respectfully read aloud the names inscribed on the memorial. The detachment’s participation was a moving tribute to those who served and sacrificed

All of the cadets acted very professionally the whole day. At the end of the parade they were all proud of each other for how they did.

Twenty-five cadets and three Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) took part in the Rayleigh Remembrance Parade, held along Rayleigh High Street and at the local church. Led by Lieutenant Ryan Dearlove, the detachment demonstrated outstanding discipline and respect throughout the event, paying tribute to those who served and sacrificed. Their presence was a proud reflection of their commitment to community and remembrance.

Exceptional pride in the unit giving up their Sunday to commemorate this annual event.

Led by Second Lieutenant Julia Rowland-Taylor, 24 cadets and six Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) took part in the Shoeburyness Remembrance Parade. The event featured a ceremonial Royal Artillery battery gunfire to mark the start of the two-minute silence. Cadets Churchman and Wiley stood as the Cenotaph Guard of Honour, while cadets Kamara and McKie respectfully laid the Army Cadet Force wreath. The detachment’s presence and conduct reflected deep respect and pride in commemorating those who served.

Loved it. So proud of how my cadets carried themselves. Lcpl Cannon instructed our Detachment for the parade and he was fantastic for his first time.

Under the guidance of SSI MacDonald, 24 cadets and five Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) took part in the Southend-on-Sea Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph on Clifftown Parade. The ceremony commenced with the traditional gunfire at 11:00, marking the start of the two-minute silence. L/Cpl Noble led the procession carrying the Union Banner, followed by L/Cpl Mackenzie with the detachment banner. L/Cpl Wellsteed had the honour of laying the wreath on behalf of the unit. The cadets displayed exemplary conduct throughout, paying a fitting tribute to those who served

My detachment is made up with a lot of new cadets and I was proud they took part after the last few weeks of intense drill practice.

Seven cadets and four Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) proudly represented our detachment at the South Woodham Ferrers Remembrance Parade under the guidance of Second Lieutenant Lamoye Holden. In a poignant moment of reflection and respect, the cadets were honoured with the responsibility of laying wreaths, one for the Marines and another on behalf of our own unit. Their conduct and dedication were exemplary throughout the event.

Cadets who laid the wreath did a good job for their first time and Ssgt Frostick demonstrated an excellent attitude leading the parade. It was good to support the armed forces and put the army cadets on show for their local community.

The Remembrance Parade at Wickford saw a strong turnout along Wickford High Street. Led by Second Lieutenant Jade Freeman, the Army Cadets marched solemnly along Runwell Road to the Memorial opposite Wickford Royal British Legion (RBL). A respectful service was held at the Memorial, followed by a march back and salute as the parade passed the RBL.

A particularly heartwarming moment came when at least seven former Wickford cadets, now attending as civilians after aging out, made a point of greeting current cadets. Their presence and praise, commenting on how smart and impressive the 19 cadets and five Cadet Force Adult Volunteers looked, was a testament to the lasting bonds and pride within the unit.

I was extremely proud of Cpl Hooper for being banner bearer with limited practice. Also to LCpl Robertson and LCpl Coleman for outstanding respect and professionalism when laying the wreath and supporting the ATC with theirs.

Led by Sergeant Instructor Jamie Chittock, 25 cadets and five Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) proudly participated in the Clacton-on-Sea Remembrance Parade. The detachment demonstrated exceptional discipline and respect as they honoured the fallen and paid tribute to those who served. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the enduring values of service and remembrance within our community.

Most have never marched before let alone in a parade, they did very well. I am very proud of all of them, they smashed it under the circumstances. Next year will be even better with more cadets and more time to practice before the event