ITV’s Lorraine hails UK cadets for honouring Britain’s fallen heroes | UK | News
ITV star Lorraine Kelly has hailed thousands of Armed Forces cadets as Britain’s “future leaders” as they commemorated our nation’s fallen heroes this week. More than 82,000 of the UK’s 136,500 Army, Air Force and Royal Navy cadets have commemorated our war heroes in parades on Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day today.
Everyone’s favorite broadcaster Lorraine, who is a National Honorary Colonel in the Army Cadet Corps, said the huge involvement of young people meant our military past was in safe hands. Lorraine said: “The students parading this Armistice Day are the pride of our nation.
“They are the youngest guardians of the freedoms and memory that our sailors, soldiers and airmen fought for. They are also the future leaders of bright, thriving and united communities.
“I am continually impressed by the maturity, poise and spirit of these young people and how they are shaped by their experiences as students.”
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that “the great participation of students is indicative of the steadfast commitment to service and community among young people.”
“Their well-rehearsed drills and discipline in the parade show how tradition continues even as student unions modernize and expand to provide more young people with skills for life.”
The government plans to increase the number of students by 30 percent, or 41,000 young people, by 2030. This will help community renewal and resilience and remove barriers to opportunity.
The £70 million funding increase will expand access to students in all four countries and broaden the qualifications and development opportunities available to members, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Last week the Express joined 300 boys and girls from the UK’s community-based Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the school’s associated Combined Cadet Corps (CCF) for the annual ‘Army Cadet STEM Camp’ in Dorset to see how being a cadet can enhance learning and career opportunities at school.
Research from the University of Northampton shows that being a student leads to better resilience, school attendance, academic achievement, mental health and fewer behavioral problems.
On Armistice Day, Defense Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones said: “It is wonderful to see so many students joining staff and veterans in commemorating those who fought and died for our freedoms.
“Joining the cadets is a life-changing decision for many young people, unlocking new experiences and skills and helping them discover their potential.
“£70 million is being invested in our cadet forces to ensure more young people have the chance to gain qualifications, boost their self-confidence and learn about the military.”
The MoD said the students’ contribution to the commemorations provided “a blueprint for future generations as the government embarks on the most ambitious plans to expand student powers in decades”.
Chief of the Defense Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said: “The commemoration reconnects the country with our Armed Forces.
“The huge contribution of students to the country’s commemorative events demonstrates the support and respect for the Armed Forces from different generations and communities.
“The strong bond between the Armed Forces and the communities we serve strengthens our ability to keep the country safe and uphold our values.”
The cadet forces also aim to recruit more adult volunteers who will assist in the operation of the cadet force. They provide guidance, training and support to students.
The announcement follows the Strategic Defense Review, which highlighted a whole-of-society approach to strengthening UK defense and reconnecting communities with the Armed Forces.
Imogen Rowlands, 17, from Llandudno Detachment, Clywd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Corps, walked to the Cenotaph at Remembrance Sunday.
He said: “Walking the Menotaph makes me appreciate my life and what others, including my own family, have sacrificed for me to achieve what I have.
It is a reminder to remember, to appreciate each day and make the most of it.”
The 82,000 figure includes students in parades at community commemorations held on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In total there are 18,400 Royal Navy and Royal Marines cadets, 38,000 Army cadets and 26,300 Royal Air Force cadets – 120 of whom took part in the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph of Remembrance on Sunday.
