Representatives from the City of Brantford will recognize the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Admiral Nelles, Navy League Cadet Corps Admiral Landymore and Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Starfighter with a ceremonial Freedom of the City parade on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Members of the public are invited to take part in the event, which will take place in downtown Brantford, starting at 10:00 a.m. Official proceedings will begin at the Brantford Armoury where over 200 cadets will assemble to march to Brantford City Hall.
Upon arrival, Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford, will grant ceremonial access to the cadets to “move freely” about the city.
“It is an incredible honour to bestow the Freedom of the City to the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Admiral Nelles, Navy League Cadet Corps Admiral Landymore and the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Starfighter,” said Mayor Davis. “The Freedom of the City is the highest recognition we can offer, and it reflects the deep respect and gratitude we hold for these cadet units. We invite residents to join us in this special celebration as we come together to recognize and celebrate their remarkable impact on Brantford.”
The units receiving this distinctive privilege have all served the Brantford community for many years. The longest continually running cadet unit, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Admiral Nelles has been serving the community since 1940. Navy League Cadet Corps Admiral Landymore has been serving the community since 1955 and the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Starfighter has been serving the community since 1977.
Freedom of the City is an honour bestowed upon military units, organizations or individuals in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication. This ceremonial tradition, dating back to medieval times, symbolizes the recipient’s exceptional loyalty and contribution to the community. The ceremony includes formalities such as a parade and a series of traditional rituals, underscoring the recipient’s esteemed status within the city.
The ceremony will also feature a performance of the national anthem and “God Save the King” by the cadet band and a traditional cry by Town Crier David McKee. A triple cheer by the highest-ranking cadet will honour the City of Brantford.
The event will conclude with a march past for the Mayor and dignitaries, with the cadets parading to and finishing at the Brantford Armoury.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the Freedom of the City ceremony. Free parking is available at the Market Centre Parkade. Brantford Transit is available with the main terminal conveniently located only one block away. Schedules, routes and rates are available online at www.Brantford.ca/Transit.
