Events

Class of 2028 Officer Cadets Complete First-Year Orientation Program

Mishall Rehman October 1, 2024

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Future officers of the Canadian military had a chance to connect with seasoned veterans at the annual Royal Military College Badging Weekend.

The annual tradition is a highlight of the First Year Orientation Program and celebrates the fresh batch of students while giving alumni a chance to reconnect.

Staff, students, and friends gather at the Royal Military College of Canada for the 2024 First Year Opportunity Program Obstacle Course on September 13th, 2024. Photos by: Royal Military College Public Affairs. Images courtesy of RMC.

Annual Reunion Weekends

The Royal Military College (RMC) annual reunion weekends took place throughout August and September, depending on the college. They also celebrated the reunions of several previous graduating classes.

“What is now called the RMC Badging Weekend celebrated the formal joining of first-year cadets to the Cadet Wing in the presence of Alumni and family participating in the RMC Alumni Association’s reunion weekend. The purpose is to celebrate the completion of the First Year Orientation Program (FYOP) and reconnect Alumni with their Alma Mater,” said Jennifer Jordan, RMC Alumni Association Inc. Fundraising and Marketing Manager.

Staff, students, and friends gather at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean for the 2024 First Year Opportunity Program Obstacle Course. Photos courtesy Royal Military College Saint-Jean.

Celebration A New Year

The RMC Reunion Weekend, in Kingston, ON, took place from Sept. 12-14. The weekend unfolded with a kickoff event at the RMC Alumni Association 24th Annual Legacy Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 12. According to Jordan, the Legacy Dinner is a highlight for many attending the weekend as it is the first chance Alumni are able to connect with Canada’s future military leadership.

Guests of the dinner included RMC General Pascal Godbout and RMC Saint-Jean Colonel Guillaume Tremblay, Deputy Commandant Colonel Hugo Delisle, RMC Alumni Association President George Lundy and spouse Lina Mattei, RMC Alumni Association CEO Nancy Marr, College Chief Warrant Officer Scott Howell.

RMC Saint-Jean held its Homecoming weekend on Aug. 23-24. A similar event also took place at Royal Roads University from Sept. 13-15, where ex-cadets attended Homecoming 2024 at Royal Roads. Many Veterans travelled to join the event. Image courtesy of Royal Roads University.

Jam-Packed

Friday and Saturday were jam-packed with the First Year Obstacle Course, Badging Parade, Memorial Arch Ceremony, and the Alumni BBQ and Alumni and Varsity Sports.

The Badging Parade allowed dignitaries, family members, and alumni to officially welcome the Class of 2028 to the Wing. Some alumni had the memorable privilege of welcoming their own children into RMC, according to Jordan.

The weekend culminated with the Old Brigade Dinner on Saturday night.

RMC Saint-Jean held its Homecoming weekend on Aug. 23-24. A similar event also took place at Royal Roads University from Sept. 13-15.

Reunions for Hundreds of Graduates

An important aspect of reunion weekend is the reconnection of previous graduating classes. A significant highlight this year was the reunion of the class of 1984, which was the first class with female graduates. Additionally, graduates from the class of 1954 also gathered to celebrate their 70th class reunion.

Other classes that held reunions included the Graduating Classes of 2019, 2014, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1979, 1974, 1969, and 1959.

All in all, more than 3,000 people gathered to reconnect or embark on their new journey. Parents and families were also in attendance to celebrate the completion of the First-Year Orientation Program of the class of 2028.