A Provincial Change of Command ceremony took place at Navy League of Canada Northumberland Branch Building in Port Hope on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
During the ceremony LT (NL) Michael Pigeon was promoted to LCdr (NL) Pigeon before being sworn in as the Ontario Commander of the Navy League Cadet Corps.
LT (NL) Russell Boate took over as Commanding Officer of the Northumberland Navy League Cadet Corps from Pigeon.
Due to COVID protocols only a limited number of people were allowed for the ceremony.
Pigeon replaces outgoing Ontario Commander Steven Drury.
During the ceremony, Heather Grundy, who is President of the Northumberland Navy League Cadet Corps was presented with a challenge coin by Eamonn Brennon Vice President of the Navy League Ontario Division for her many years of service with the NLCC.
Speaking with Today’s Northumberland, Lcdr (NL) Pigeon said he started the Cadet Corps in 2003 in Northumberland and the ceremony was a very proud moment.
“I was a Navy League Cadet over forty plus years ago. This is full circle to think that you start off at ten years of age and now to be the actual Commander for a Cadet program that has taught me so much – words can’t express how I truly feel.”
Through the years over 500 children aged 9 to 12-years-old through the Cadet Corp in Port Hope.
“The joy of fulfilling those dreams but a sad day saying goodbye to my Corps.”
Pigeon recalls how one Cadet saved her allowance to buy him a watch as a way of saying thank you.
“Those are moments you don’t write – they just happen.”
With the pandemic, Pigeon said the Cadet Corps is in “challenging times.”
“The program is a rebuilding stage, but we’ll always have Cadets join and that’s the beauty of our program.”
Pigeon said the Northumberland NLCC is in good hands with LT (NL) Boate taking over for the second time.
“I have no doubt that NLCC Northumberland will carry on all the successes it has in the past under his Command.”
The Navy League Cadet program is free for youths 9-12-years-old and gives them an opportunity to learn Naval themed items such as marching, drill, band, naval terminology, seamanship, first aid among many other things.
“When a Cadet puts on his uniform for the first time they change. The pride that they have knowing they are part of something that expects excellence from them, but they provide excellence and it’s a fantastic thing.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
