saddest day of my life :(

[SeaGull631]

man... we were getting ready to march on at annual the other day and right before we went on, the chief calls all of the WOs and a couple FSgts over and is like, "alright. heres the deal. When they call our names up to retire..."

it was insane. It was like, HOLY $hiznit! Im RETIRING?! I just got here!

A couple of the other warrants, though... they were like, YEAH! Im retiring!

How many of you were happy to retire or started to cry as soon as you thought about it?

[HammerOfHope]

I was sad, but I never broke out in tears because I was retiring. It just felt a little weird because I left on the first parade night back after camp. Camp felt like the last step of my cadet career, but here I was coming back to the corps just to say goodbye. Anyway, by the end I was just glad it was over and it was time to move on.

[Profound Darkness]

I cried a little before cadets when my mother was taking her pictures of me in uniform. But once I got there if was pretty easy to hold them back. I was there the next week as a CI anyway ;) (which isn't the same, but at least I'm still involved). If my CIC papers weren't taking forever I'd be in uniform by now in time for camp.

[The Blue Tory]

Handled it professionally...

The memories just flooded in through my mind though, as I saluted on my final dismissal... the memories took over timing, and it was held up a little too long... probably a sign of trying to extend the career for just a few more seconds.

[HammerOfHope]

The memories just flooded in through my mind though, as I saluted on my final dismissal... the memories took over timing, and it was held up a little too long... probably a sign of trying to extend the career for just a few more seconds.
And then... a single tear rolled down his cheek.

[WO2 Mandal]

awww poor ma'am, I'ts ok lol

[DM Sgt Vanderlinde]

mandal.. nows not the time to be.. .well urself... its a serious moment for these cadets who had put their time and efforts throughout the years towards the cadet program.

[SeaGull631]

mandal.. nows not the time to be.. .well urself... its a serious moment for these cadets who had put their time and efforts throughout the years towards the cadet program.

*sniff* I need a kleenex!! lol

[AMothfromWpg]

there were 2 moments when I got caught in the throat- when I went up for the congrats that I am "retiring" then turning back to the sqn and having everyone clapping and cheering as I marched back to my position of parade comd

the 2nd was on the D-Day parade where I was ic of the air cadet flight during the parade and marchpast.....

[canoe instructor]

i took it in stride when i retired back in 2002...

it was quite a moment though..all the experiences and memories came at me like a tidal wave..it was actually kinda unreal..but what made the experience worthwhile was when i passed the cutless off to the new cox'n..my younger brother..him and I had joined together, gone through the ranks together(well almost together) and been together through it all....what was more amazing was to see how much we both had grown....from little NE's all the way up to Chiefs....priceless....
i was happy to retire, sad because I was saying good bye and having to take a new step...but now im happy as a clam..because im still involved with cadets....
Congrats to those who are retiring!
Cheers
CI Meg Harris
ORCA Flatwater Instructor/Canoe Tripper I
HMCS Ontario ITPERTC Staff 2003 and 2004

[grass_roots]

My last parade night was actually the day before I moved away for Katimavik. I handed in the uniform said my goodbyes to everyone and quietly walked out the door and back home to finish packing after classes begun. It really wasn't too emotional, I left on a high note and I didn't want to fuss or obsess about it.

[Jiggy]

Mine was pretty sad. Cadets really did a lot for me.
THe thing that was hardest was when my kids cried, that was sad.
But i got over it pretty fast and i was kinda glad to be out of the bull**** that went on.

[smynkey]

I thought i was going to be sad when I left... but i wasn't.. I do still have the summer left with cadets, so maybe it hasn't hit me just yet....

[Jumper02]

I really didn't think it would affect me that much. I retired at our Christmas mess dinner. When I saluted, it didn't hit me that I wouldn't be saluting again for a very long time. After the dinner, my C.O. took me over to the Legion with the rest of our staff and bought me a drink. We had good times and discussed my return to the corps as a C.I. I thought all was good and went home to go to bed. Lying there, I started thinking. I couldn't sleep. I started thinking that, no more boots to polish, no more lesson plans. No more drill lessons. I was kind of culture shocked. I decided to go for a walk. It's like 2 in the morning now, and I'm just walking, the snow crunching under my feet. No sounds to be heard other wise. It was soo weird. I walked by a Canadian Flag, and I got all choked up, not being able to Salute anymore. All is well now. I'm a C.I., I help out at the corps with the Adventure training and fitness, I'm going to connaught this summer. But its still strange. At our annual a couple of weeks ago, I was standing aside, and when the RSM called attention, I felt my leg twitch as if to do the movement. It was pretty sad.

[Morrison]

My last night at Cadets was great. I had free reign to do anything. Photo's were my main priority. I actually left that night, but the final goodbye was being invited back for the end of year mess dinner. Sitting at the head of the table next to my former CO was great. At the end of the night, thy called for me and the other three retiring to say a little goodbye, and my words were short and simple: 'Being in Cadets is the best thing you can do as a young adult. Stick with it, and build yourself up. I thought joining cadets was the hardest thing I ever did, but now I know it's not. Leaving is'. And at that point where I got to 'leaving is' I nearly cried, but for some reason looking upon my cadets whom I'd trained and served with, I felt a sense of pride and felt it would have been wrong to cry.

I can assure you though, when it came to removing my stripes and patches, it was an entirely different story. Even reading back through each yearbook, or viewing photo's and talking to old friends from courses and camps stirs the tearducts.

Although it was good to leave and say you've acheived a good career within cadets, I would NOT hesistate to go back to being 12 again, and joining up all over again.

[Pilot]

man... we were getting ready to march on at annual the other day and right before we went on, the chief calls all of the WOs and a couple FSgts over and is like, "alright. heres the deal. When they call our names up to retire..."

it was insane. It was like, HOLY $hiznit! Im RETIRING?! I just got here!

A couple of the other warrants, though... they were like, YEAH! Im retiring!

How many of you were happy to retire or started to cry as soon as you thought about it?
it's not that bad.. life goes on, you wil survive.. I can assure you..

[ctjj.stevenson]

For me, the story was quite different. I aged out after my last staff at HMCS Québec, and that September, I went back to my corps as a CI. I've done my job as a CI without any thoughts that I aged out yet, because the Changing of Command parade had not been done yet. The parade was late that October. I was back in uniform (after a little twisting the arm of my XO) and commanded the parade for a last time. Actually, during the day, I was busy with a whole lot of phone calls because we were organising a exchange with an Ontario unit two weeks latter. After my parade, I ran up (quickly) to change back into my civvies, and it was off to the local Legion of an officer's meeting. Therefore, aging out did not affect me too much. It will be the day that I will have to leave my unit that will.

[Lola]

There was one moment when I almost burst into tears, but I mostly felt relieved. Just before my last year, all my friends quit cadets so I felt very lonely. I still put in a good effort because I wanted staff, but I didn't push myself to excell. I really should have quit...
Anyways, I got my awesome tankard, my certificate of service(they screwed up my join date :mad: ), and I got to stand on the dias for the marchpast, so it was pretty good. And since it was a CDs night, the ACA was there(pretty cool guy) and he payed me some nice compliments.

[Juice]

My last day of cadets was Final Graduation last year at HMCS Ontario. Although at my annual inspection it was kinda like my last day. I didnt cry at all, which surprised me. i think it was because I knew I had plans of coming back as a CI or CIC, so it wasnt like I was leaving the movement altogether. I had a great run as a cadet. 6 years, CPO1, cox'n, 2 years of Gunnery staff, Quest, Provincial swin champ two years in a row. It was the best time of my life. Now I am in university, still putting in as much time as I can in the CCM and am doing great. I owe a lot of the way I am today to cadets. The movement taught me how to be confident in myself. It was fun being a cadet, but after being out for a year, as much as I loved being a cadet, I don't think I could go back into the uniform. It just wouldnt be the same now. I enjoy working with cadets and I can't wait to see what HMCS Ontario holds for me this summer.

[Grumio]

Lying there, I started thinking. I couldn't sleep. I started thinking that, no more boots to polish, no more lesson plans. No more drill lessons. I was kind of culture shocked.

Boy, that's a weird feeling, isn't it....

[Scoopable]

I left cadets, but never really have, hell i stayed up for days working on new programs for hte cadets. I am gonan go back as an officer this year... even if i didn't i would still be a cadet, forever and always

[cejay]

I graduated in May 2003, but really only aged out in July 2003. I was one of only 2 cadets left in my level, and we both cried more than the WO1 (a level below us). The last thing I did with my squadron was the trip to Eastport, Maine for the Fourth of July parade. that was a mere 10 days before my birthday, and the last time that I was in uniform. I somewhat kept in contact with my old squadron, but not as much as I would have liked to. This fall I'm gonna see about going back as a CI.

[Bubble~*~Girl]

I know the feeling I retired this year. This summer i feel lost i just dont feel the same. Today is my 19th bday and a bunch of my cadets sent me cards. All the stuff they wrote makes me feel good and bad. Today is the saddest day in my life also.

[Squanto]

My last day of cadets was really hard .. I was at a new corps in a new flotillia, and I hadn't made too many connections .. and no one that I went through cadets was there .. they presented me with my medals and certificates, which made me feel good because I worked for them .. then they called the incoming cox'n, and I had to pass off my cutlass .. that's when I broke down .. it was hard .. but I held my head up and realized that my time was done .. and I had accomplished more than I thought I had .. I still miss it, and it's been over 2 years since I aged out .. I can't wait to be an officer so that I can give to the new generation of cadets what the people before me gave to me

[The Blue Tory]

This past Saturday was one of depression and feeling of being old, as it marked the beginning of the second year, since I been at Blackdown...

Worse though, was that I went to beach with parents that day, and drove past Borden, as well as several other places of significance, such as the IGA in Brampton where I always stocked up on candy every Sunday enroute back to Blackdown

[Dick]

The saddest day of my life hasn't happened yet...

I have no clue when it will be or what. I should be able to tell you sometime before i die though.

[superbrownie]

I experienced my last night on the 25th. It wasn't a regular parade night, most people were at home but a few showed up for sailing. But it was a great night, I finally got my medal, so it was a great end to a great career with a fantastic corps :D followed by a group hug lol. I was sad before I got there and it really was sad when I was driving to Edmonton on the 1st, thinking, "Man, I should be at cadets right now." And I never cried, surprisingly enough.

SB

[Insane Power Pilot]

I was never sad as I retired from cadets. Firstly, I felt like I had accomplished anything I ever wanted to, and there was no need to carry on and do anything else. Secondly, I had applied to the reserves at the time, and had the feeling that it wasn't really ending at all. Thirdly, I ended on quite a high...my last cadet function was the international exchange to Turkey. :cool: I miss some of my old squadron every now and then, but I've been assured they're carrying on quite well without me. :)

[Kijak]

To tell you guys the truth, I was pretty happy with myself for leaving, I'd like to think I left gracefully and that was the end of it. I have no intention of returning to a corps anytime soon. school right now wouldn't really permit itt

[SLt_Siwak]

My good friend, and retired cox'n of last year, aged out at our annual last year, Not only did she cry, but I did too. She came back as an officer, but its not the same, Its great to see her every monday, but I still miss hanging out in the mess with her. lol.

[airborne]

geez, i nearly cried at the end of last cadet year. and when my 1st squadron commander retired, i nearly cried again. ooo...sentimental me

[survivalfreak572]

the saddest day of my life will be the day my cadet career is over....that means i'm getting too old!!!:-( i'll miss my squadron although we are not a very big one let alone popular squadron...i'll miss it!!!!:-( *sob sob*

[SeaGull631]

Leaving cadets SUCKS. Especially when it's been a part of you for.... well, YEARS. Heck, over half a decade! 8 years in my case...

It's definitely a benchmark. When you've done everything that you possibly could have, then it's a feeling that puts a smile on your face. But when you know that there's something that's unfinished business, it's hard.

A good friend of mine is turning 19 next week. He calls me up this evening, from Alberta, bawling his eyes out. It's kinda funny when you realise how much you GROW throughout your cadet career. When I met him, he was so.... not the way he is as a cadet now. And neither one of us would have pictured it being this hard.

So many memories, though :) And at the end of the day, that's what you have.

[Geotech]

I was ready to retire and move onto a different point in my life, cadets was good times but i was glad that i can be removed from the responsiblity for awhile although i wouldn't give my 3 years at the top for anything, seven years well spent in my opinion.

[JGallagher]

I walked out with pride. No tears or any thing. It was a hard night. I only teared when the CO said to take the March Past. To lead the Corps. The came the Heart of Oak.

[AMerrall]

Honestly, I expected to cry, but I didn't. The parade went well, and so did sunset and everything. Afterwards there were pictures and the whole deal. I got a present from one of my cadets, and the rest were practically lining up for pictures with me. I was really happy to see that they were sad to see me leave, made me feel pretty good.

[Cenk]

I'm going to hate retiring from cadets, I can just see those tears forming in my eyes, and then falling as I walk away from my final parade. I don't think that I'm going to be able to do the final WOI (which I will hopefully be when I'm retiring) speech without crying. How can you stand not having to go to cadets every monday, and not being at band every thursday. Not seeing your friends, and follow cadets. Not having that leadership position where everyone looks up to you, and where you are ciritcized for everything wrong that you do. I don't ever wanna grow up and leave, but I know that I have only 2 full years (excluding this one) until I'm out. Unless, mirically I don't get into the RMC, or university, I'm retiring at my last Annual Inspection if I get into the RMC, or the first night back if I'm in a seperate university (of course after attending my last summer camp) Oh, what a sad sight it's going to be :(:(

[Craiglette]

Well I retired from cadets in May of 2004, turning 19 in Aug. My last day was annual, and on a saturday. There were 3 other Warrant officers and myself all aging out on the same day. We were each given a small pack of kleenex with our names done from the computer taped on to the packets. After the march past we had the drill team and band performances, during these I threw the pack at my brother as i did not need it. This part was a little sad for me because it was the first year I wasn't on the drill team (a personal choice). I was very happy to leave cadets, because I got out of it more than I came to get. It was the best thing I have ever been a part of, and that's why I continue to work with cadets as a CI at the Glimli Gliding Centre.

[life]

What happens if you retire after annual parade and the parade night after that is in civies? No change of command parade, nor a march-past?

[Juice]

What happens if you retire after annual parade and the parade night after that is in civies? No change of command parade, nor a march-past?
Well, when I was handed coxswain, and when I handed it off, we never did a march past. However, that doesn't mean that units that do it are wrong. That being said, I'm sure something could be arranged that the change of command would happen at the ACR.

[Lt(N) Blatch]

I rember my last normal parade night as a cadet I did a few other activites as a cadet but it was the last Tuesday that was the one that made me think. I didn't think untill the end when the band began to play sunset and the flag was being lowered and as said before all the memories just came back the bad days and the great days. I knew I would be coming back as an officer but being a cadet is a different expirence. So many people i met that influenced my life so many things i did and learned that benifit me. Cadets did change my llife for sure because i think now looking back what would I have become ?

[etowncadet]

I found out my last day will be the 4 Jun 05. *gulp*... I've been asked to write out a synopsis of my career, that's going to be hard to remember it all. There are 4 others retiring with me, and it's going to be one sad, sad day for all of us. Those are: FSgt Caroline Lecourtois, FSgt Adrian Ambrozuk, Sgt Emilie Wentworth and Sgt David Sopkow. I'll make sure I have pictures.

[CaptPilk]

I found out my last day will be the 4 Jun 05. *gulp*... I've been asked to write out a synopsis of my career, that's going to be hard to remember it all. There are 4 others retiring with me, and it's going to be one sad, sad day for all of us. Those are: FSgt Caroline Lecourtois, FSgt Adrian Ambrozuk, Sgt Emilie Wentworth and Sgt David Sopkow. I'll make sure I have pictures.

Is that your ACR? What time and Where?

[etowncadet]

Sometime early morning, I think, and at the church. I'm such an uninformed WO1. lol.

[Loyal Edmonton]

Sometime early morning, I think, and at the church. I'm such an uninformed WO1. lol.

Is jon allan still a wo2?

[etowncadet]

Seeing as how I'm still a cadet, yes {!}

[Loyal Edmonton]

Seeing as how I'm still a cadet, yes {!}

Lol hes been a wo2 for soooo long!

Hows he been doing? Oh hey you have to tell him Steve Paish got Master warrant officer! Did he apply for staff?

[SLt_Siwak]

February 11, 2007...Ugh...I never want that day to come... :(

[Juice]

February 11, 2007...Ugh...I never want that day to come... :(
Man, you young people, lol. Don't worry though, you'll find some other way to keep you busy.

[SLt_Siwak]

Man, you young people, lol. Don't worry though, you'll find some other way to keep you busy.

Aww...Common...I'm 17....tahts a blow to the system (just kidding) :sea:

[Fufu_65]

i've got something even better...may 11th, 2008....no po1 can beat that date:)

-SS

[Juice]

i've got something even better...may 11th, 2008....no po1 can beat that date:)

-SS
I can at least tie it ;)

I was promoted to PO1 in 2000, and I aged out in August 2003 ;)

[CI Garvey]

I was suppose to age out in 2004 instead I had a breakdown on staff in 2003 and left cadets for a year eventually came back cause I couldn't stay away but that breakdown was the worst for me.

CI Katie Garvey

[JGallagher]

December 17th 2047 is my set date to retire.

[Bubbles]

My set date to retire is coming up soon... REAL soon. I can't believe I'm leaving high school and cadets within days of eachother. This is going to be one sad summer... :(

[Poseidon]

I age out on April 25, 2006...just over a year left...it's gone by way to quickly... :(

[AMerrall]

Man, you young people, lol.
My feelings exactly, lol. Put your energy into other things! Maybe become a CI or an officer. Plus, that time in between your CIness and your cadetness can be a lot of fun. ;)

[etowncadet]

The minute I'm done as a cadet, I become a CI with the Edmonton Gliding Center. I'm sticking around there for a while before joining a squadron again.

[Saorse]

I might as well join the House of Misery :)

I age out next year, and everytime I think of it, I really get the sickest feeling in the pit of my stomach. Not looking forward to leaving this: I'm as honest as the rest in saying it molded me into who I am today. :army:

[Zedic]

I can at least tie it ;)

I was promoted to PO1 in 2000, and I aged out in August 2003 ;)
I can tie that too, I was promoted to WO at 15 (also having completed NSCE and selected for advanced training) in 2003 .... and I technically age out June 2006.

However I am retiring from cadets June 12th 2005 (my ACR), hopefully going on staff and then off to St-Jean for Prepatory year for RMC.

[superbrownie]

Well if I hadn't of left and gone off to school or joined another corps I would be aging out May 28th 2005...

SB

[Juice]

Well if I hadn't of left and gone off to school or joined another corps I would be aging out May 28th 2005...

SB
Career's getting in the way of what's really important in life right from the get-go, eh Sam? ;)

JB

[superbrownie]

Career's getting in the way of what's really important in life right from the get-go, eh Sam? ;)

JB

That's exactly it Sir ;)

SB

[etowncadet]

I can tie that too, I was promoted to WO at 15 (also having completed NSCE and selected for advanced training) in 2003 .... and I technically age out June 2006.

However I am retiring from cadets June 12th 2005 (my ACR), hopefully going on staff and then off to St-Jean for Prepatory year for RMC.
I can maybe beat that... I was promoted to FSgt June 2001, and I retire in... 27 days (June 4)... so... I was 14. And cocky. That summer changed me forever!

[Zedic]

I can maybe beat that... I was promoted to FSgt June 2001, and I retire in... 27 days (June 4)... so... I was 14. And cocky. That summer changed me forever!
Crazy ... then again we have an Acting WO that is 14.

[etowncadet]

I was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too young... hindsight 20-20, I spent 6 months as a Sgt, then got promoted to FSgt before I even did a 6 week camp. I was cocky, telling everyone "I'm a 14 year old FSgt!"... it didn't go over too well. But, I learned my lesson, and now I'm ready to retire... 4 years later. Man... that's nuts... I've spent more than 1/2 of my cadet career as a very senior rank... wow...

[Former Member]

I was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too young... hindsight 20-20, I spent 6 months as a Sgt, then got promoted to FSgt before I even did a 6 week camp. I was cocky, telling everyone "I'm a 14 year old FSgt!"... it didn't go over too well. But, I learned my lesson, and now I'm ready to retire... 4 years later. Man... that's nuts... I've spent more than 1/2 of my cadet career as a very senior rank... wow...

hahaha you think you weren't prepared? i started the 2002-03 year as a cadet with 5 months experience, in less than 6 months, i was a Sgt.

I'm retiring next year, on my own accord, to pursue a career in the CF. However i digress, it wil still be a hard day to face. Too many memories and experiences that hold such a special place in my heart.

[Kristina]

Whats "Retireing" ?? I honestly don't know..but i want to :D

[Former Member]

Whats "Retireing" ?? I honestly don't know..but i want to :D

in cadets, once you hit 19 ,you get the royal boot from the corp. Thems the rules. Some (myself included) leave earlier than that.

[Kristina]

oh ok now i know.....cool....

[Bubbles]

I'm on the same page as you now, tonight I'm aging out and my CO and the other officers have been planning this for months. Or so they say. I'm not crying or anything like that, I guess it's because this week I'm focusing more on my final exams this week. I'm graduating high school, retiring from cadets and saying goodbye to a lot of talented and also amazing people right now. Just a while ago I got my year book and I saw all the amazing memories that I have at school which reminded me of a power point presentation that I put together as a gift to my cadets as well as the officers at Vanguard.

To be honest, it hasn't really sunk into me that I'm retiring from cadets or graduating high school yet. I'm not too sure why, but it's not bothering me right now. I know it will eventually, but right now, I'm actually looking forward to it rather than getting emotional about it.

Tonight, when I get to Vanguard's Boathouse, all I know is to bring a change of clothes and to hand my camera off to one of the officers. I know that when I get there it'll probably hit me, but right now I guess all I can do is to prepare for my exams and to get ready for tonights final parade as a cadet at Vanguard.

Talk to you all later,

CPO1 Munro

[Zedic]

I retired on June 12th at our Annual Ceremonial Review. As many on here, I retired early. I have no regrets really ... and it wasn't a sad day for me, as the end of my cadet career will start my military career as an Officer Cadet at RMC.

I must say I've had a good run ... retiring at 17 I made it to the highest cadet rank, achieved my Master Cadet and a number of awards and positions. However none of that even compares to the people I've met, friends I've made, and experiences I've had.

[life]

Technically, I was no longer a cadet from 11 June 2005, but I stuck around for the next parade night. I couldn't have asked for anything more. The friends and memories are irreplaceable. I'm surely going to miss some good times.

[Power]

Man I reckon leaving cadets was probably one of the highlights of my life.

I enjoyed my time and glad i joined. But I realised well for me anyway when i got to my last year of highschool that the squadron I was in was way to umm lets say not to pleasant with mismanagement of staff. And the day I walked out on my last parade...I couldnt help but smile n go...I wonder how they will cope because 4 of us left. and we were all senior cadets.

Mind you health problems of mine restricted me some what in the last 2 months of cadets.

Glad a book has closed...like to reminise about it but yeah glad its over...good while it lasted.

[Q-Gunz-Danie]

Wow just reading theses events are making me emotional i still have about 3 years..2007 October... which is horrible cause after camp i'll have to come back, have a great experience and then just leave it before it even starts! but i'll start preparing myself not to cry seeing as its "over-rated" hehe

[Bourgaize]

I was quite depressed, I cried, some of the cadets cried (which made me cry more lol), I refused to handover my pace stick so they traded me for a mug with my name on it...my mom cried, I wasn't overly babyish about it but when they do a slide-show after the parade of all the good stuff that you did in your cadet career you just wanna bawl...I mean really. But I loved cadets and I'm joining the military at the end of next year and I'm volunteering as a CI at my old sea cadet corp for band...well if they still have one...I'm getting all choked up just thinking about it.

[Pirate]

I cried, a lot. It was like mourning for me...I don't think anybody else cried or was that concerned, but I did enough for everybody, considering the unpleasent circumstances at the time.
Ah C'est La Vie... I had a good run.