M’CHIGEENG—On Saturday, May 31, the 348 Manitoulin Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps proudly held its 21st Annual Ceremonial Review at Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS). The occasion, rich in tradition and ceremony, marked a significant moment for the young cadets and their proud family members who were in attendance.
This year’s Reviewing Officer was Thomas Auliger, a former manager of Georgian College’s Marine Technology program and a certified navigational officer who has guided polar expedition vessels through some of the world’s most remote waters. A dedicated member of the Manitoulin Navy League Branch, Mr. Auliger was joined by other senior Navy League board members to recognize the cadets’ accomplishments.
The ceremony opened with a traditional song and prayer from Elder Joseph Laford of Sheshegwaning First Nation, blessing the event and all present. Following the presentation of colours and the singing of O Canada, the Reviewing Officer inspected the guard of cadets, who stood with precision and pride. Under the leadership of Coxswain Chief Petty Officer First Class Landon Aelick, the cadets performed a disciplined drill with arms display, followed by a seamanship demonstration featuring the construction and use of a traditional “gyn” tripod lifting device, which was a testament to teamwork, coordination, and maritime skill.
photos by Alicia McCutcheon
photos by Alicia McCutcheon
photos by Alicia McCutcheon
Several awards were presented to cadets in recognition of their performance and dedication throughout the training year. The Marksmanship Team Awards went to Cadet Laszlo Vernarsky (1st Place), Cadet Liam McLean (2nd Place), and Cadet John McLean (3rd Place). These honours were awarded for outstanding accuracy and discipline in the corps’ marksmanship program.
The Music Recognition Award was given to Cadet Kaelen Thompson; this award acknowledged musical excellence and a substantial contribution to ceremonial duties as the corps’ bugler, a job he did well at Saturday’s event.
The Lieutenant Commander Roger Szydziak Outstanding First-Year Cadet Award went to Able Cadet David Joyce, recognizing excellence in participation, enthusiasm, and promise in a cadet’s first year. The Manitoulin Navy League Branch Outstanding Second-Year Cadet Award was presented to Master Cadet Laszlo Vernarsky; this award acknowledges dedication, leadership development and continued involvement in the program.
The Outstanding Third-Year Cadet Award was earned by Petty Officer Second Class Noah Deforge. This award was given for exemplary service and growth during a cadet’s third year of training.
The Outstanding Fourth-Year Cadet Award was presented to Chief Petty Officer Second Class Samuel Pennings. This award honoured long-term commitment, maturity, and senior leadership within the corps.
The George Bury Memorial Award was awarded to Able Cadet David Joyce. This meaningful award is presented to the cadet who best embodies the motto Fidus Amicus (“A True Friend”) and is recognized for loyalty, kindness, and peer support.
The Fred Nesbitt Memorial Award went to Petty Officer Second Class Noah Deforge, recognizing a cadet who demonstrated the most significant personal improvement over the training year.
The Bryan Chapelle Outstanding Citizenship Award was presented to Chief Petty Officer Second Class Samuel Pennings. This award acknowledged exceptional community service, including an impressive over 420 hours of volunteerism and civic engagement. The Ed Kift Esprit de Corps Award was presented to Chief Petty Officer First Class Landon Aelick; selected by peer ballot, this award recognized the cadet who best represents the corps’ fellowship, morale and pride.
Cadet Service Medals were awarded to PO1 Austin Flickweert, PO1 Liam McLean and PO2 Zack Peltier; these medals are awarded for completing four or more years of committed service in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.
The Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence was awarded to Chief Petty Officer Second Class Samuel Pennings. Donated by Branch 177 of the Royal Canadian Legion, this medal recognized the highest standards of leadership, community involvement and corps commitment.
The Outstanding Top Cadet Award was presented to Chief Petty Officer First Class Landon Aelick, given to the cadet “who best exemplifies the ideals and spirit of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.”
This year, the corps celebrated an important moment with the awarding of the Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal. This prestigious medal represents the highest level of recognition for a cadet’s combined achievements in physical and military training; it is awarded only to the most deserving cadets who consistently demonstrate superior physical fitness, military proficiency and leadership. Chief Petty Officer First Class Landon Aelick was named the recipient of this distinguished honour.
Also noteworthy was the awarding of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a national honour presented to 30,000 Canadians this year to commemorate the King’s accession and to recognize individuals who demonstrate leadership, dedication and service to their communities. This prestigious medal was awarded to Chief Petty Officer First Class Landon Aelick.
In a heartfelt ceremony celebrating dedication and service, two remarkable adult leaders were honored with the prestigious Commonwealth Cadet Officer Medal, recognizing their enduring commitment to youth development. Sub-Lieutenant Miranda McKay, known for her inspiring leadership and mentorship, and Lieutenant Tina Davidson, the Commanding Officer of the corps, have both demonstrated unwavering passion and dedication throughout their years of service. Their tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on the lives of countless young individuals, fostering a spirit of growth, resilience, and community among the cadets.
Before the ceremony concluded, Coxswain Aelick presented Mr. Auliger with a ceremonial paddle in appreciation for his role as Reviewing Officer. Visibly moved, Mr. Auliger addressed the audience, reflecting on his own experience as a Sea Cadet and expressing pride in the continued strength and presence of the program on Manitoulin. He also shared insights into the historical roots of the Sea Cadet movement in Canada, which was originally established to support the merchant marine and later adopted by the Royal Canadian Navy to foster recruitment and leadership.
The ceremony concluded with the respectful lowering of the flag and the playing of Sunset on the bugle, creating a dignified end to a day celebrating honour, growth, and the enduring legacy of service for some of the dedicated youth of Manitoulin Island.
