Published on Tuesday, 10 November 2020 at 2:04:59 PM
Soldiers from 11th /28th Battalion, The Royal Western Australia Regiment will march through Albany CBD this week as part of a military ceremony dating back two thousand years.
Granting Freedom of Entry is a ceremony bestowed upon military units to parade through the streets of a city on ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, drums beating, band playing and colours flying.
11th/28th Battalion were granted Freedom of Entry in 1987 and on Saturday will exercise their right that includes a ceremonial parade, salute to the citizens of Albany and an address by the Mayor.
Over 200 army personnel with armoured vehicles will march along Stirling Terrace, York Street and ANZAC Peace Park for the formal ceremony where the challenge and ceremonial parade takes place.
Following the ceremony, the contingent will move up York Street, along Grey Street East and onto Spencer Street to return to the Army depot on Brunswick Street.
Mayor of Albany Dennis Wellington said it is an honour to bestow this traditional exercising of Freedom of Entry once again.
“Both the 11th and 28th Battalions undertook extensive service throughout the Great War starting with Gallipoli and later on the Western Front with great distinction and achievement,” he said.
“Freedom of Entry into a city by military units is a long standing tradition that dates back to ancient Rome so it is with great tribute that we are able to honour this distinction onto the 11th /28th Battalion in 2020.”
The battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Cattai said the ceremony strengthened the historical and community connection between the Army and Albany.
“More than a century ago ANZACs left from Albany for Gallipoli, today our soldiers are Army Reservists drawn from Perth to Albany and are heirs to that great generation,” he said.
“Many of us marching through Albany have deployed on overseas military operations and closer to home we served our community on domestic operations during the recent bushfires and Covid-19 pandemic.”
The 11th /28th Battalion will exercise its right to the Freedom of Entry from 2:45pm on Saturday November 14th commencing with a march along Stirling Terrace, York Street to ANZAC Peace Park.
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