Warm welcome for RAAF at Freedom of Entry parade in Cleveland
Hundreds of Redland Coast residents and visitors lined Shore Street West in Cleveland on Saturday morning to witness the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ask for the right to enter Redland City.
The centuries-old military-civilian tradition held on Saturday 13 April marked the 10th anniversary of when the RAAF was last granted entry on 12 April 2014.
The ceremonial military parade, proudly presented by Redland City Council, involved the No.95 Wing of the RAAF being challenged by Queensland Police Service Inspector Michael Morier with the RAAF Parade Warrant Officer presenting a scroll affirming their right of freedom of entry to Redland City.
Freedom of Entry to the City dates back to the Middle Ages when cities were fortified by walls to protect residents from invaders – right of entry to outside armed forces was a privilege rarely granted but came as a sign of respect for the protection and friendship offered.
The parade featured military members dressed in ceremonial attire, swords drawn, bayonets fixed, battle honours flying, and the Royal Australian Navy Band Queensland playing.
The history of granting of Freedom of Entry to a City
The granting of “Freedom of Entry to a City” to a military unit has its origins in the early history of Europe.
To protect citizens from death or capture by enemy armies or bandits, key cities were placed behind fortifications and walls which, together with soldiers guarding them, were often the only form of protection for the population.
As such, the right of entry to a city by outside soldiers was a privilege rarely granted but when it was, much ceremony was associated to demonstrate the pride of the unit concerned, and the trust bestowed by the citizens in allowing them within their walls.
As times and society changed, city walls disappeared with the garrisons of citizens. However, for geographical, historical, and cultural reasons, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) units continue to have strong links to the cities where they have been stationed.
Today, a “Freedom” indicates the pride the local people have in their long associations with the unit involved and is reflected in the traditional format of the “Freedom Parade”.
The granting of a “Freedom” may be conferred by any civic or municipal authority to a unit or a RAAF Establishment. Having been granted a “Freedom”, the unit or Establishment involved will endeavour to regularly exercise their right of Freedom of Entry to the City, usually to coincide with a date of special significance to the city, the unit, or both.