Montfort NCDCC Investiture Parade cum Camp

disSeptember holidays, something which most of us anticipate before it, arrived and go like a flash of lightning!!!

On the eve of the September holidays, which is 4th September 2009, I went for the Montfort NCDCC annual camp in preparation for the following day, the Montfort NCDCC unit Investiture Parade. The camp was planned during the June holidays, but due to circumstances such as H1N1, the parade was postponed till 5th September 2009. After a short school day, I went home immediately to pack what I needed for the camp and dashed back to school. However, things did not turned out right for us as majority of the secondary 2 cadets went for CIP or Science Project. As a result, we were unable to carry out the parade rehearsals.

Using the quick-wittedness which all sec 3s have, we decided to play some team bonding games with the sec 1s. This is because the sec 1s had not really bond together ever since they joined NCDCC. the game turned out to be a joyous activity for all. Everyone had lots of fun and it was a success.

After which, we commenced the parade rehearsal from 4.30pm onwards till 6.50pm. The cadets were allowed to have a break till 7.30pm as it was the time when we started the dinner. The dinner was not very well-done as some of the cadets did not manage to have their meal properly.

After dinner, we resume the parade rehearsal and the scenario drill rehearsal all the way till 12am midnight. Though the training was not easy, no cadets muttered a single mourn. The preseverance which the cadets showed were amazing and it was something we should be proud of. Lights were out after we conducted the water parade (to ensure the cadets were well-hydrated and to minimise dehydration duringthe parade).

Throughout the night, very few Charlie members slept because of the freezing weather. Even the juniors who went to sleep earlier than us also woke up due to the cold wind. Time flies slowly as we were polishing our boots to allow time to fly past.

Finally, it was the morning. Everyone woke up at the break of dawn except me, haha, who slept at 6am in the morning. I woke up at almost 7.30am, which is 1 and 1/2 hour before the real parade. We had a final rehearsal before the actual parade so as to refresh the cadets' mind and not to mess up the parade.

After several rehearsals for preparation, the real parade finally commenced with me marching onto the parade square. I am the parade commander for the parade, as I am the Company Sergeant Major of Montfort NCDCC unit. The parade was a grand success and no one made themselves a laughing stock.

This was my most memorable parade ever. Maybe this was my last investiture parade? I thought so. Next year though i will be there, but my status is as a guest, not a parader. Thinking of this, I felt so sad.....