SASKATOON – Saskatoon’s 107 Spitfire Air Cadet Squadron took a moment on Wednesday to pay their respects to a World War II veteran and a Snowbird captain
It was a homecoming of sorts for Capt. Regan Wickett.
Wickett, who serves with the 431 Squadron Snowbirds, was a cadet at the squadron and used to stand where these young cadets stand today.
“This is definitely one of the places where I founded my interests in aviation that started my career. It’s the place where a lot of life long friendships were built for me so there’s a lot of experiences of my life that have come out of this program,” Wickett.
When he joined the Snowbirds, Wickett’s goal was to connect with the air cadet program and be a mentor.
“We’re here to thank them for their efforts that let us do our job and to remind them that, that’s where a lot of people get inspired to join the Canadian Forces, that’s where a lot of people are inspired to go into aviation, so that’s really the future for us and we want to tell them, they are the future.”
Wickett was joined by World War II veteran Reg Harrison to address the cadets in a moving Remembrance Day salute.
“I’ve supported the air cadet movement every year by sending a cheque to Ottawa headquarters, also when I see them out canvassing because I know what it means to them, how it can change their life, how meaningful it is for them to be in the cadets,” said Harrison.
Wickett and Harrison share a connection that runs deep, both have been part of 431 Squadron, which turns 70 years old this year.
The 11th day, at the 11th hour, at the 11th minute, of the 11th month, Canadians all over the country will join cadets in paying their respects to heroes past and present.
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