A 12th and 13th century ceremonial military tradition with modern-day marching soldiers, armoured vehicles and towed Howitzers, will be witnessed by Brandon city residents and visitors in the downtown area on June 11. All are welcome to attend.

Freedom of the City will be exercised by 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA) in Brandon. The ceremonial military procession will start at Brandon University at 9:30, with soldiers marching to City Hall, where the door will be opened for Lieutenant-Colonel Jordan Beatty, who will be welcomed by Mayor Jeff Fawcett.

Freedom of the City is one of the most prestigious honours bestowed by a municipality upon a military unit. The strong relationship between the City of Brandon and 1RCHA was cemented in 1967 when Freedom of the City was first granted to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery on Oct. 11.

“It was a historic moment, and the first time such an honour had been granted to the Regiment as a whole by any Canadian city,” the 1967 Canadian Gunner publication states.

However, long before 1 RCHA was entrusted with the Brandon honours, the tradition started in medieval Europe when cities were surrounded by high walls to defend against threatening armies. When friendly and allied forces approached, they were permitted access without first having to disarm their fixed bayonets and still have their colours flying and drums beating.

On Thursday, the Unit will parade to City Hall in column of route, with bayonets unfixed and carrying displayed Colours. Colours for the Artillery are not flags, like in most cases, but are their guns. Hence, they will be towing Howitzers.  As the soldiers approach City Hall, they will be halted by the police chief in the center of the road to barr the unit from proceeding any further. The chief will challenge the unit’s identity, and the commanding officer will respond with the unit’s title. The police chief then calls for the unit to “Advance and be recognized.”

Together, both officers march to the door of City Hall. LCol Beatty will knock on the door three times with the hilt of his sword. Mayor Fawcett and the city council will form near the entrance, when the mayor will read a proclamation welcoming the unit, inspect the troops and invite the regiment to exercise its freedom. Bayonets will then be fixed, the mayor will inspect the troops and then take the salute.

The march will step off near Brandon University along 18th Street and proceed down Victoria Ave to City Hall on 9th. Streets will be closed, and there may be some traffic disruptions.