Remembrance Day in Swift Current is a day filled with thanks, as well as tradition. One thing connecting both sentiments is the work that the 605 Tarry Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron does each year.

A long-time tradition in Swift Current, the cadets take shifts standing watch over the Memorial Park Cenotaph from the evening of November 10 to after the Remembrance Day ceremonies are completed the following morning at the monument.

Since the 1980s members of the squadron have been able to help keep the memories of Canadian veterans alive through their constant vigilance over the marker of Canadian history.

For those standing guard, 15-minute shifts are carried out between various members of the group who stood outside in the freezing cold. This year, temperatures were so extreme, the cadets were forced to spend a stint of time inside for safety's sake.

Captain Jason Tangen, the deputy commanding officer and administrative officer of the group, said that it was unfortunate the weather had to cut their watch short, but were regulated to do so due to an Air Cadet regulation. He said the cadets dealt with the cold very well.

"They never complain, they know why they're there, they show up, they do their job, and they slug right through the ceremonies the next day as well, it was another great year."

"We never have a problem with finding volunteers for [the program] every year, it's something they're all very honoured to be able to have the opportunity to do."

The program began in Swift Current during the 1980s.

For a four hour stretch, wind chilled tempretures got as low as -31 C, forcing a four hour respite for the cadets.

Not just the cadets were affected by the bitter cold.

"This year, it was probably one of the coldest ones we've ever had, and people still showed up in great numbers outside and tuffed the ceremony out, even children. A huge hats off to the residents of the city that came out."

Around 23 cadets as young as 12 years old took part in the annual ceremonies, accompanied by four officers of the squadron.

Preparations for the standing of the guard and the following ceremonies begin up to two weeks before the night of November 10.

Tangen said that being able to continue the tradition was something he was happy to do.

"From a personal standpoint, it makes me very proud knowing what the cadet program is doing. Among many other things, it is helping the next generation honour the sacrifices that were made by our servicemen and women."

"There are getting to be fewer and fewer of these veterans around, and remembering their stories and their sacrifices, they can't die with the veterans, they need to be remembered and carried on."

Tangen said that he was happy to see the initiative become more prevalent across Canada in recent years.