For 18 hours leading up to the Remembrance Day ceremony, air and navy cadets stood guard over the cenotaph at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital.
For six years now, Lily Montague, a First Class Warrant Officer with the 99 Lynx Air Cadets Squadron, has been taking part in the guarding of the cenotaph.
"I joined cadets because I was interested in what the program has to offer," the 17-year-old said. "It's given me more leadership skills, organizing skills, and I'm able to go on really fun trips every year."
Through cadets, Montague has learned the same disciplines and structures that are used in the military.
Montague, an Oro-Medonte native, says guarding the cenotaph each year honours fallen veterans. She is just one of 37 cadets who are participating this year.
"It's important and a way to show respect," she said. "Most of us have family that have fought in the wars or have served in the military, and this is my way to honour them."
The cadets take turns rotating through 15-minute shifts while standing guard with a rifle in hand. This is the 35th year that the squadron has participated.
"When I'm guarding, I'm thinking about why I'm doing this," she said. "I reflect on the freedoms that we have in Canada because of what our veterans have done for us."
To become an air cadet, you must be 12 to 18 years old. For Montague, a Patrick Fogarty Secondary School student, this is her last year with the program. Once she has graduated, she will strongly consider joining the Canadian Armed Forces.
Blake Higgs, a flight sergeant with the 99 Lynx Squadron, has been taking part in guarding the cenotaph for five years now.
"I joined because of my interest in the military," he said. "I love the brotherhood of it and seeing how many different people can come from different walks of life and come together as one to set their differences aside for the common goal."
Higgs, 16, says guarding the cenotaph respects fallen veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
"One of my great-grandparents served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and another served with the Canadian Women's Army Corps during the Second World War," he said. "When I'm guarding the cenotaph, I think about the sacrifices they made for me to live in peace."
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 Orillia is organizing a special Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph today beginning at 10:40 a.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend.
