Two upcoming parades in London are set to bring together participants from across the globe, each carrying their own stories of discipline, service, and remembrance. For the first time, the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps will send a contingent to the prestigious National Trafalgar Parade, while an Army veteran from Bromsgrove, England, prepares to represent his hometown at the national Remembrance Sunday parade at the Cenotaph. Both events, though distinct in tradition and purpose, underscore the enduring values of commitment, sacrifice, and community that bind military and cadet organizations worldwide.
On October 19, six Senior Cadets from the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps will make history as they march in the National Trafalgar Parade in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square. According to a spokesperson for the Corps, this marks the first time that Bermuda’s Sea Cadets have received such an invitation, a milestone that speaks volumes about the island’s growing presence on the international stage. Each year, the parade draws more than 400 participants, including Sea Cadets, Royal Navy Volunteer Cadets, Air Cadets, and Army Cadets, all converging to showcase their skills and celebrate their shared heritage.
“The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps is proud to announce that six Senior Cadets will represent Bermuda at the prestigious National Trafalgar Parade in London on 19 October,” the spokesperson told local media. The event, described as the flagship ceremonial occasion for Cadet organizations, is a chance for participants to demonstrate the discipline, skill, and dedication that define their respective corps.
For the Bermuda Cadets, the invitation did not come easily. Their selection followed a series of intensive drill and ceremonial training sessions, led by Sub-Lieutenant Sam Bennett RNR, Development Officer, and Petty Officer Kevin Sunga, Senior Drill & Ceremonial Instructor. The Cadets, including Petty Officer Cadet Laura Frith; Able Cadets Oca-Ray Brown, Nathan Cassidy, and Xavier Vezina; and Ordinary Cadets A’lia German Pitcher and Lexie Taylor (with Christian Fox and Samuel Valles as reserves), devoted countless hours to mastering the precision required for such an elite event.
Sub-Lieutenant Bennett, who will lead the group overseas with the assistance of Petty Officer Ani Douglas, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “The standard of drill required for this parade is extremely high, and our Cadets made the commitment to meet it. They have absolutely done that and have earned the right to march in this event. I could not be more proud of them!” he declared.
The parade itself is only part of the experience for the Bermuda contingent. After the ceremony, the Cadets will travel to Edinburgh, where they’ll take part in additional training at the state-of-the-art Sea Cadet Port Edgar Boat Station, nestled at the foot of the Clyde Bridge. Their itinerary also includes a visit to a Royal Naval vessel and opportunities to train alongside other Cadets from the region. For these young Bermudians, the trip promises not only a chance to represent their island but also to build lasting connections and gain invaluable experience in an international setting.
The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps has been quick to acknowledge the community support that made this journey possible. “The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps extends its gratitude to the volunteers, families, and community members whose support has been instrumental in making this achievement possible,” the spokesperson said. The organization encourages those interested in learning more or getting involved to reach out via email.
As the Bermuda Cadets prepare for their moment in the spotlight, another group of marchers is getting ready for a very different kind of parade. On November 9, Cpl Scott Blyth, a British Army veteran from Bromsgrove, will join the national Remembrance Sunday parade at the Cenotaph in London. Representing the 1st Battalion, the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Blyth will march with the Royal British Legion, carrying not just his regiment’s colors but also the pride of his hometown.
Blyth’s participation in the Remembrance Sunday parade is deeply personal. In an interview with the Bromsgrove Standard, he reflected on the significance of the occasion: “It’s an incredible honour – not just to represent my regiment, but to carry Bromsgrove with me as I march. This town has a proud military heritage, and being able to stand there, representing both Bromsgrove and my battalion, means everything to me. When you’ve served, Remembrance Sunday isn’t just a date — it’s deeply personal.”
He continued, “You march for your mates who didn’t come home, for the ones still fighting their own battles, and for the values we lived by – loyalty, discipline, and respect. To stand at the Cenotaph, shoulder to shoulder with other veterans, is a moment of pride and reflection. And for me, after everything I’ve faced – from homelessness to battling for proper support – it shows that we keep marching, no matter what. That’s the spirit of service.”
Blyth’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Beyond his military service, he has faced periods of homelessness and continues to advocate for better support for veterans in his community. Currently, he is campaigning to be formally recognized as the Armed Forces Covenant Advocate for the Bromsgrove area, a role already acknowledged by several local officials and the Ministry of Defence. “Right now, too many of us aren’t being supported properly. The Armed Forces Covenant promises that no one who’s served should face disadvantage – and I’m committed to making sure that promise is upheld, here in Bromsgrove and beyond,” he stated.
For Blyth, marching at the Cenotaph is about more than remembrance; it’s a form of advocacy and a symbol of resilience. “So marching at the Cenotaph isn’t just remembrance for me – it’s a statement. It’s about showing that even when the system fails us, we don’t give up. We keep serving. We keep standing tall,” he said with conviction.
The Remembrance Sunday parade at the Cenotaph is a cornerstone of British national memory, honoring those who have served and sacrificed in the armed forces. For many veterans, it’s a time to reconnect with old comrades, reflect on their experiences, and reaffirm the values that guided them in service. Blyth’s story, marked by both hardship and determination, resonates with countless others who have walked a similar path.
As London prepares to host these two significant parades, the city becomes a stage for stories of perseverance, unity, and hope. Whether it’s young Cadets from Bermuda stepping onto the world stage for the first time or a seasoned veteran from Bromsgrove marching in remembrance and advocacy, each participant carries with them the weight of their community’s pride and the promise of a brighter future for those who follow.
These parades, steeped in tradition yet ever-evolving, remind us that the values of service, discipline, and remembrance are as relevant today as ever. And for those who march—whether for the first time or the fiftieth—the journey is as important as the destination.
