Not only have brothers Zach and Nick Roberts-Neef missed out on months of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their army cadet training year also fell victim to the coronavirus. As compensation, the St. Thomas brothers were able to participate in a virtual annual ceremonial review celebrating 140 years in the city. That makes the 7 St. Thomas Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps one of the oldest in Canada. The brothers – along with the other 43 members – enjoyed the year-end ceremony held at the end of June in full uniform from the comfort of their home. Their successful year continues a long-running family tradition, explains 15 year-old Zach.
The brothers likewise lost out on a summer adventure as 15-year-old Zach explains.
Their origins date back to 1880 at recently opened St. Thomas Collegiate Institute where the 7th Army Cadet Corps was officially designated in February of that year. While this is the 140th anniversary of the cadet corps in St. Thomas, the celebration was muted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the annual ceremonial review was held online back in June and the 45 members have missed months of on-site training. Second Lieutenant Anthony Vukojevic with the Central Regional Cadet Support Unit says the cadet program will return in some form this fall.
In September of 1977, the Corps ceased its affiliation with the Elgin County Board of Education, left Central Elgin Collegiate Institute and took up residence in the St. Thomas Armoury where its headquarters remain today.
