RICHMOND RAAF Base personnel will take part in a parade to exercise their right to freedom of entry to the city of Hawkesbury on Thursday, October 23.
Members of the community are invited to watch them parade through Windsor with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.
The Hercules will overfly Tebbutt Street from northwest to southeast at an altitude of 75 metres at 11:00am. The parade will take place from 10:30am until 11:45am.
Mayor Kim Ford said he was ‘‘excited and honoured’’ to be part of the prestigious event which dates back to the early history of Europe.
“The granting of the Freedom of Entry to a city is a very old tradition which granted martial organisations the privilege of marching into the city which was once surrounded by walls and protected by soldiers,’’ Councillor Ford said.
‘‘The right of entry to outside soldiers was rarely given by the authorities. Today, the ceremony is representative of the esteem in which the council holds the RAAF base and provides recognition of the facility’s contribution to our community,” Councillor Ford said.
The parade marks the 25th freedom of entry to the city for Richmond RAAF personnel.
The first one was held on September 12, 1989.
■ The parade can be seen from various vantage points. Check hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au for further details.
There will be temporary road closures and special event clearways in place from 10.15am-11.45am on Thursday, October 23.
Bus stops on George Street near McQuade Park will also be affected during this time.
■ Details: 4560 4444.
