Freedom of the City
October 3rd, 2009
Today, Mayor O’Brien granted the Freedom of the City unto the newly merged 26/28 Service Battalion at Marion Dewar Plaza. The granting of the Freedom of the City by a municipality is one of the most esteemed honours to bestow on a military unit.
This military tradition began in England during the 15th century at the time of the War of the Roses when marauding military units endangered cities. Before a city would admit a military unit inside its walls, the chief constable would demand to know the reason the soldiers wished to enter the city. The chief constable would then proceed to escort the unit commander to the chambers of the city council to determine whether the city leaders could trust the unit. If proven trustworthy, the unit was granted the privilege known as, “The Freedom of the City.” This designation entitled the unit to, march through the streets with drums beating and colours flying. Once bestowed, the honour is retained forever.
Photos from the event can be found here: