Kingaroy to Grant Freedom Of Entry
When you hear the sounds of beating drums and a band playing and see defence personnel marching with swords drawn this coming Saturday.
When you hear the sounds of beating drums and a band playing and see defence personnel marching with swords drawn this coming Saturday, it will be the Defence Force School of Signals – Electronic Warfare Wing personnel from Borneo Barracks, Cabarlah exercising its right and privilege to pass through Kingaroy.
It is all part of a historical event taking place at 10.00am on Saturday, 8 July in Kingaroy, where the South Burnett Regional Council will be granting them the “Freedom of Entry to the Town of Kingaroy”.
The Defence Force School of Signals – Electronic Warfare Wing will consist of personnel from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Regular Army and Royal Australian Air Force, who will be marching along Haly Street, where they will be “Challenged” by the Queensland Police Service at the Glendon Street Intersection.
Once the parade has been granted permission to enter or pass through Kingaroy, it will progress into Glendon Street and halt in front of the Dr Ellen Kent Hughes Forecourt for inspection by Mayor Keith Campbell and the Officer Commanding.
The presentation of the Granting of Freedom of Entry and the exercising of the Freedom, conferring the right, title, privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of a city on all ceremonial occasions is a unique and historic ceremony.
This ceremony is believed to have originated during the medieval struggle of power between British Barons and influential and borough corporations. It was customary for groups of armed men seeking entry to a city to be challenged at the city gate by the City Marshall. After indicating their peaceful intent, they were allowed to enter only with arms sheathed, colours cased and drums silent.
In recent times, this ceremony was amended so that local authorities or corporations wishing to honour a group or body of soldiers would permit entry into the city with swords drawn, drums beating and colours flying. This signified a mutual respect and trust between the city and a unit of the armed forces.
“This is a significantly historical event for Kingaroy and we are honoured to bestow the Freedom of Entry to the Town of Kingaroy to the Defence Force School of Signals - Electronic Warfare Wing, Borneo Barracks who are based at Cabarlah” said Mayor Keith Campbell “I would like to invite all residents to join me on Saturday morning to welcome and extend the hand of friendship to our serving defence personnel to Kingaroy.”