Freedom of the City for 22 Wing North Bay
22 Wing North Bay once again has the Freedom of the City.
A parade and ceremony were held today (Oct. 20) with approximately 90 military members making their way along Main Street to Wyld and McIntyre to Leger Square at City Hall.
After the pipes and drums, Colonel Shawn Guilbault, 22 Wing Commander, led the parade.
“It goes back to the days of walled cities. Think of old England where you would ask folks to lay arms at the door for security,” he says. “But Freedom of the City allowed troops and soldiers to march through the city with flags flying, drums beating, weapons held, and bayonets fixed. It was a show of trust between the city authorities and military to be able to march through the city with weapons.”
Officials say it’s one of the highest ceremonial honours a municipality can grant a military unit, which recognizes the service and contributions of military members, civilian employees, veterans and their families who have helped shape North Bay over generations.
The military has been a part of the community for 75 years.
Freedom of the City was also granted in 1999 and 2011.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
