Darcie Parrott, 16, set to lead the UK Fire Cadets at the Cenotaph Parade in London on Sunday 8 November.
As organisations across the country come together in London this Remembrance Sunday, Sleaford Fire Cadet Darcie Parrott will have the honour of leading the UK Fire Cadets during the Cenotaph Parade.
At just 16, Darcie will lead around 30 other Fire Cadets at the parade to remember those who have served and sacrificed.
Darcie joined the Sleaford Fire Cadets just eight months ago, when the unit was newly established, but her connection with the fire and rescue service goes back much further.
Her dad, Graeme Parrott, is a retired Leading Firefighter with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, while her brother, Oscar Parrott, is currently an on-call firefighter at Sleaford Fire Station.
Although Darcie has not been a Fire Cadet for long, she has already embraced the opportunities it offers, learning new skills, pushing herself outside her comfort zone and growing in confidence alongside others who share her passion for the fire service.
Being chosen to lead the UK Fire Cadets contingent will be one of her biggest moments so far.
Darcie said: “I felt incredibly proud and honoured to have been chosen for such an important occasion. I know how much Remembrance Sunday means to so many people, and being able to represent UK Fire Cadets on such a significant day is something I’ll always be grateful for.
“It fills me with pride to wear my uniform and be part of an occasion that honours those who have served and sacrificed so much for us. It’s an opportunity to show the respect we have for them and to represent the dedication, commitment and values of the fire service.”
“Most importantly, I’ll be reminding myself to take everything in, appreciate the moment and remember why we’re all there, because it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Dad, Graeme, also took part in the Cenotaph Parade in London during his own fire service career. Now, years later, he will see his daughter follow in his footsteps.
He said: “I’m incredibly proud that Darcie has been given this opportunity. I took part in the Cenotaph Parade in London when I was in the fire service, so it’s very special to see her following in my footsteps and now having the chance to experience it for herself.”
There will also be a special connection between all the cadets taking part in the parade, with Fire Cadets from South Yorkshire making poppies from retired fire hose for each cadet to wear.
For Darcie, it brings together two things that mean a great deal to her.
“Remembrance is about honouring the people who have made sacrifices for our freedom and never taking that for granted. It’s about remembering not just those who lost their lives, but also those who served, those who returned home and the families who were affected.
“Wearing a poppy made from fire service hose makes the occasion even more meaningful to me. It feels like a real privilege to wear it and represent a service built on courage, commitment and helping others.”