By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — As he spoke to a crowd of Cadets, leaders, parents and supporters on Monday, Gordon McRae knew he was preaching to the choir.

McRae, longtime area director for the Air Cadets program, was speaking at the 553 Sherlock Squadron’s annual ceremonial review at Davidson Town Hall.

For years he has promoted the program as a way of teaching leadership and citizenship skills, but as he acknowledged Monday, those gathered for the event were well aware of its benefits.

“We are all here tonight because we all believe in the Cadet program,” said McRae. “I’m at a loss for words as to what could make it better.”

The review — held June 13 with roughly 30 people in attendance — marked the end of Air Cadets in Davidson after 30 years.

The local squadron has faced declining enrolment for years, with just eight cadets registered as of this spring, coming from Davidson, Bladworth, Craik and Stalwart.

The head office laid down the law this year, telling organizers that they needed to have 25 cadets registered by the end of February. After that deadline came and went, it was announced that Sherlock Squadron would be suspended at the season’s end.

For the full story, please see the June 20 print edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.