Don’t slate cadet children, be proud of them (From Worcester News)

Don’t slate cadet children, be proud of them

12:00pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Read

SIR – I am writing this letter in response to a letter in your paper last week from Peter Willis titled ‘Where did all these youngsters come from?’.

I was disgusted at Mr Willis’ letter slating the fact that cadets were present last Wednesday to meet the Queen in Worcester.

My son is a Lance Bomadier in Evesham Army Cadets and all these cadets were invited to meet the Queen weeks ago, not just suddenly plonked in front of members of the public, as suggested by Mr Willis.

I’m sorry they spoilt his view of the Queen, but as I said, they were invited, they didn’t just turn up hoping for a glimpse of the Queen like Mr Willis.

These cadets work very hard in their roles, looking after their uniforms, attending duties (including ones for charity), meeting one or two times a week in their own spare time.

They receive no payment for doing this. The Queen supports all cadet forces and in return these children don the Queen’s uniform a couple of times a week in their spare time.

Children nowadays are regulary slated for their antisocial behaviour, but Mr Willis has no respect for cadet children who stay out of trouble, are doing something worthwhile with their spare time and who are learning lifelong skills such as first aid.

I’m sure, Mr Willis, you would actually be grateful to see a cadet if you had an accident and needed first aid – or would you be moaning they were in your way!

A lot of these cadet children will move on to become adult members of the forces and will fight for Queen and Country and for that we should be grateful.

So maybe, Mr Willis, instead of moaning about cadet children that blocked your view of the Queen, you should be proud of the fact that some of the younger generation do have respect for our Queen, Royal Family and country.

ALISON BOND

Evesham