Liberation Day: Don’t criticise one organisation

Saturday 30th May 2009, 2:59PM BST.

From Rob Davison, Commanding officer, TS Jersey.
I WOULD like to comment on Hugh Gill’s letter (JEP, 14 May) and Christine Marett’s letter (JEP, 18 May) regarding chatting by the Sea Cadets during the Liberation Day Parade.

I’m astounded that Ms Marett has named only the Sea Cadets when I know for certain that youngsters from all the youth organisations talked to each other at one time or another during this long ceremony.

The Sea Cadets were wearing full Number 1 Uniform, including caps which, in direct sunlight, can be extremely uncomfortable. In addition, when the commentary is not clear and audible, it is understandable that youngsters will talk to their friends to try to ascertain what is being said or about to happen.

I would ask Ms Marett and Mr. Gill to appreciate that the uniforms worn by the Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies are lighter and much more comfortable in these situations, especially when the weather is hot.

It may be a good idea for the organisers of these events to give some thought to these youngsters to ensure that in future a shaded area is reserved for them where they can appreciate what is being said (providing the speaker system is clear), or possibly an area where they can remain until they are needed to walk past the dais.

I do agree that Liberation Day is a special event for the Islands and should always be celebrated, but don’t single out one organisation when there were many other youngsters chatting.

Let’s not forget that they all give up their time to help commemorate an important day in their Island’s history, when they could be spending that time on their own hobbies.

Perhaps those who are quick to criticise would do well to remember that.
Fort Regent.

1
Nellie Macon

June 1, 2009 at 1:35 pm

We should stop criticizing these youngsters – with all the misbehaving youths always making the headlines, let’s give those who attended the Liberations Day proceedings a well deserved pat on the back.

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2
Tony Gallichan

June 1, 2009 at 3:07 pm

‘TS Jersey’??? What on Earth happened to poor old Undaunted? Brilliant ship that, superb facilities at Fort Regent, something of which to be proud.
As a former cadet I can certainly empathise with those cadets on Liberation day. Full uniform is uncomfortable and hot, your expected to stand there, silently whilst all sorts of things happen outside your view or hearing. Remember, these are children, not adults. The fact that so many must have shown up – and I’m assuming that like most events, it was voluntary, does them credit.
However, one word of advice to the current generation. Don’t try to change into shirt sleeve order when the hig and mighty ones go past…You end up half in your jacket, half out, caop akimbo..trying to salute.

Ahem.

Oopsies.

Tony Gallichan – former P/O

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3
PJG

June 1, 2009 at 3:12 pm

Ye Nellie, for once I agree with you.
one in the eye for those who say there is nothing for youths to do

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