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By Paras Satija
SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

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Campbellton - As a recipient of the honour of the Most Outstanding Air Cadet of the year, I was invited to participate in the National Remembrance day ceremony in Ottawa as a wreath bearer for the youth of Canada. Our stay in Ottawa was from Nov. 10 to 12. We were a group of seven youths, the three Outstanding Cadets of the Year (Sea, Army, and Air), and the four national winners for the Royal Canadian Legion's Annual Poster/Literary Contest. Our families were also invited to attend all of the activities organized by the Royal Canadian Legion.

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Satija carrying the wreath he laid in front of the Prime Minsister and Governor-General.

Satija on the right, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper front and centre.

Satija got to sit in the Speaker's Chair in the House of Commons.

Governor-General Michaelle Jean and Satija.

Satija is standing next to General Rick HIllier, with the Governor-General and the Prime Minister further down the line.

Our day on Monday, Nov. 10 began with a tour of Parliament Hill. We were given a special tour by the Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons. We visited the speaker's office, the House of Commons where we had a chance to sit on the speaker's chair, the senate, the library, and the memorial chamber. We then moved on to the National War Memorial where we had a dress rehearsal for the ceremony on Tuesday. During the rehearsal, we had the opportunity to meet with the director of the National Remembrance Day ceremony, Brad White. After the rehearsal, we attended the Legion's Dominion Command President's Luncheon in the Laurier Room at the Chateau Laurier. This was where all seven youths were presented with their plaques from the Dominion President, Wilf Edmond. The new design for the poppy quilt which will be placed at every Legion branch across Canada was also unveiled. After the luncheon we went to the National War Museum where we had a chance to meet with the co-coordinator of the museum and see the headstone of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the evening, the three outstanding cadets and their families were invited to a supper hosted by the executive directors of the three cadet leagues.

On Remembrance Day, Tuesday Nov. 11, we departed the hotel for the National War Memorial where the ceremony was going to be held. At the War Memorial, the three cadets were involved in the passing of the torch ceremony and carrying the wreaths for members of the Vice-Regal party. Although it was cold, the ceremony was a moving one because things progressed as per the schedule and ran smoothly. Immediately after the ceremony, all seven youths and their respective companion (in my case it was my dad) made their way to the Governor-General's luncheon at her residence. At the luncheon, I had a chance to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the Governor-General herself, and other dignitaries present.

After the meal, we also had a chance to tour the Governor-General's residence and her greenhouse. And that was the last activity planned for us. Our trip to Ottawa was special and one from which I have many memories that will last me a lifetime.