CELEBRATE being British by lining the streets of Grimsby in tribute to the man without whom "we would all be speaking French".
That man is, of course, Admiral Lord Nelson, who led the 27 ships of the Royal Navy to victory against the combined Spanish and French fleets in the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805, confirming Britain's worldwide naval supremacy.
He lost his life in the process, becoming one of Britain's greatest war heroes and from then on, the nation has celebrated him and the iconic battle every October 21 – Trafalgar Day.
This year, Grimsby will host a special parade to commemorate the event, during which the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Sea Cadets Corps will march through the streets.
Lieutenant Eddie Spencer said: "The Battle of Trafalgar was one of the single most important events in our nation's history which set us up to rule the seas for 200 years after it.
"Without that victory and the efforts of Lord Admiral Nelson, we would probably all be speaking French right now.
"Grimsby has a strong naval tradition so I am very proud to hold the parade here. Hopefully, everyone will show their support."
Grimsby is the first of five towns in the Sea Cadets Lincolnshire region – created this year – to host the event, which will be held in a different town every year and is unlikely to return to this area until 2017.
More than 150 cadets will march on Sunday, October 21, and representatives from the Royal Naval Association and Merchant Navy Association have also been invited.
This year is the 207th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar but also marks the 70th anniversary of the Sea Cadets being recognised officially by the Royal Navy.
The Grimsby and Cleethorpes Sea Cadets Corps was one of the 200 original branches that were recognised.
The parade will begin at Grimsby's Riverhead at about 2pm and travel past the Town Hall towards St James' Square, where a service will be held in the Minster.
Cadet Kayleigh Guest, 15, said: "It is a massive parade and everyone is involved so it will be worth coming out to. Marching makes me proud to be a Sea Cadet."
And Rebecca Hutton, 13, added: "My friends always come down to see me marching but there are a lot of people who come and cheer as well."
