As they have done for several years now, the PPCLI Estevan Elks Army Cadets and their pipe and drum band invited the public to join them for a celebration on Robert Burns' birthday on Jan. 25.
"We always have it on the weekend closest to his actual birthday, but this year, it just so happens that tonight is his actual birth date, mine too," said Captain Robert Rooks the Band's Coy officer who was officially retired from active military duty in compliance with the Canadian military's regulations regarding mandatory retirement at age 65.
The evening's program had Capt. Ken Turner serve as emcee. Turner himself was officially retired from the active ranks last year.
Rooks will continue to serve the army cadets as a lead pipe instructor along with Angela Simon.
This year's celebration was held in the Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadet Hall with 225 guests joining the pipers and drummers and the highland dancers from the Drewitz School of Dance.
This year's program saw the addition of the retirement tribute to Rooks as well as the presentation of five Lt.-Gov. Military Service Pins to deserving recipients that included Rooks and Turner as well as former soldier John New of Midale and Aaron Toles, who recently left the military after doing an eight-month tour of duty in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, among other assignments. The other recipient was current PPCLI cadet commanding officer, Capt. Craig Bird who participated in the farewell presentations to Rooks along with visiting army cadet Lt.-Col. Lyle Johnson of Moose Jaw and Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig.
In his remarks, Rooks noted that he was proud of the fact that all the activities and rituals associated with the evening's program were performed by the cadets themselves. He also thanked the parents and fellow officers for their support over the years and looked back for a moment on the beginnings of the pipe and drum element that was brought into the army cadet program in the mid 1970s.
Ray Walton, exalted ruler of the Estevan Elks Club, the army cadet's lead sponsor, was in attendance and presented Bird with a cheque in the amount of $3,000 to help them meet their expenses for the remainder of this training season.
The celebration of Burns included memories and remarks regarding the life and times of this favoured Scottish bard from cadet drum major Jordan Gervais and an authentic Gaelic salute to the haggis by cadet Drum Sgt. Eric McLean.
Pipe Cpl. Shelly Schmidt performed the toast to the kilt with Capt. Rooks and the scotch and sword were marched in by Drum Major Jordan Gervais and Drum Cpl. Mark Fergusson. Grace was provided by Drum cadet Dawson Simon.
Following the beef, ham and haggis supper, the pipers and drummers were joined by members of the Drewitz School of Dance who provided Scottish Highland flings and Irish jigs for the entertainment of the audience, accompanied by the pipers and drummers who also provided several other musical tributes including a military drumming duet by Drum Major Gervais and Drum Sgt. McLean.
The evening concluded with a social and dance.
