Page 47 - Wish Stream Year of 2016

Taking part in the International Military Pil- grimage to Lourdes was an amazing oppor- tunity, and one that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is dif cult to describe precisely what makes the pilgrimage so special, but feel- ings of goodwill and brotherhood permeated the entire trip as our United Kingdom contingent had the opportunity to join with militaries from around the world for several days of fraternal bonding. I went into the pilgrimage expecting to have a memorable religious experience, but I was sur- prised by the enthusiasm of all the participants as well as the intense pride I felt to be part of the British delegation.
As an overseas cadet at Sandhurst, I have some experience of the importance and bene ts of building relationships between militaries. The pil- grimage to Lourdes provides a fantastic oppor- tunity to do this in the span of only a few short days. On successive days I had a beer with a Dutch Colonel and Sergeant Major, lunch with Italian Of cer Cadets, and tea with my long lost American brethren. The atmosphere of Lourdes,
Lourdes Re ection
OCdt Grasso
where rank is relaxed (a bit at least) and every- one present has heeded a higher calling (be that religious or in service to one’s country), creates a situation where soldiers, sailors, and airmen can interact as people and truly bond in a way not possible in other settings. Over 30 coun- tries were represented on the pilgrimage, and I came away wishing I would get the opportunity to work with every single one either on exercise
SANDHURST 45