Thursday, October 25th, 2012 - General Walsh Memorial Sword Award
General Walsh Memorial Sword Award
Hon. Rose-May Poirier: Honourable senators, every year the Royal Canadian Army Cadets plays an integral role in shaping Canada's youth to become citizens of the highest integrity in the community. It focuses on successful studies, being considerate of all persons and their property, and achieving the highest physical, mental, spiritual and moral standards as a Canadian citizen. With over 18,000 army cadets and 443 cadet corps across the country, our youth has an equal opportunity to fully develop its potential.
The Army Cadet League of Canada awards annually the General Walsh Memorial Award Sword to the most outstanding army cadet. The recipient for 2012, Cadet Master Warrant Officer Julie LeBlanc, from Moncton, New Brunswick, a member of the 506 Moncton RCACC, was named most outstanding army cadet in Canada. Having joined in 2006, she wasted no time in taking full advantage of the opportunities given to her.
[Translation]
Julie LeBlanc has distinguished herself in a number of activities — band, biathlon, marksmanship — and she qualified for an international expedition to Alaska with her leadership skills and excellent physical fitness.
She has excelled in the cadet program and was awarded the Major General Howard Award for her score in the National Star Certification Exam in 2010, the Lord Strathcona Medal, the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence and the ANAVET Medal.
An important prerequisite for the Army Cadet Program is cadet involvement in the community. Not only has she volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, but Cadet LeBlanc is also involved in two mentoring programs: one at her school and one with her city. With her level of commitment, those who know her say this exceptional and inspiring young woman has a wonderful future ahead of her thanks to the values she has learned in the Army Cadet League.
[English]
By winning the General Walsh Memorial Award Sword, Julie will travel to Ottawa for Remembrance Day observance and will attend the ceremonies at the National War Memorial as part of the viceregal party. She will also have the opportunity to meet both the Governor General and the Chief of the Defence Staff at a luncheon for the Silver Cross Mother, hosted by the Governor General at Rideau Hall.
[Translation]
Julie's story is just one of many. The Army Cadets continue to train Canadian youth by instilling values that are essential to personal development and community involvement. Honourable senators, I invite you to join me in congratulating Julie on her national award and encouraging the Army Cadet League to continue developing our youth.