THE FIRST 32
This year’s Reunion Weekend for the Royal Military College of Canada was a resounding success from the 17th Annual Legacy Dinner in support of the RMC Foundation, the First Year Obstacle Course and Badging Parade, the Wall of Honour presentation, sports competitions, Class dinners and the parade to the Memorial Arch.
Another significant event that took place, however, was the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the historical milestone of the entry of the first lady cadets in the Regular/Reserve Officer Training Programme at RMC.
As shown in the picture, the wall plaque bears the names and college numbers of all 32 lady cadets who entered RMC in the fall of 1980 with the Class of 1984. The plaque was unveiled on the occasion of the 30th Reunion of the RMC Class of 1984, the first RMC Class with Lady Cadets.
This commemorative plaque will be displayed in Mackenzie Building and serves as a visible historical record of the pioneering spirit and significant contributions these first Lady Cadets have made to RMC.
The presenters included the College Commandant, Brigadier-General Al Meinzinger, and the College Principal, Dr Harry Kowal (member of the Class of 1984). There were numerous other members of the Class of 1984 in attendance including a number of the Lady Cadets.
There were also a number of special guests in attendance including: Dr. John Plant, RMC Principal at the time and Major-General (retired) Frank Norman, RMC Commandant for the graduating class of 1984.
BGen Meinzinger stated that the location of the presentation in Mackenzie Building was chosen because of its location to the names and pictures of the members of the Old 18. He reflected that today lady cadets are an integral part of the Cadet Wing, but that demographics had to start somewhere and it started in 1980 with 32 very brave Lady Cadets, whose decision to entry the RO/RETP program has had a profound impact on the College and for that we are grateful.
