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This gallery is a photographic story of the Freedom of the City Parade held in Calgary, Alberta on June 11, 1997. The text of the background of the PPCLI and the official program of the parade follows:
Today's parade is an example of a military tradition which began in England during the 15th century, and which is still an important part of the traditions of the combat units of the Canadian Army today. During the War of the Roses in England, cities were constantly endangered by marauding military units from one side or the other. Before a city would admit a military unit inside its walls, the Chief Constable would demand to know the reason the soldiers wished to enter the city, then escort their commander to the chambers of the city council. If the city leaders felt the unit could be trusted, it was granted the privilege known as "The Freedom of the City". This entitled the unit to enter the city with drums beating, banners flying, and weapons carried in a warlike manner. You will see all these traditional elements represented in today's ceremony. The First Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was first granted the Freedom of the City on April 25, 1952 by His Worship Mayor Don Mckay. Today's exercise of that privilege is part of the "Patricia's" way of saying farewell to a city which became the Regimental Home Station in 1946.
The soldiers on parade today are the First Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) stationed at Currie Barracks, CFB Calgary. Arriving in Calgary in 1946, the "Patricia's" will depart Calgary this summer for their new home in Garrison Edmonton. Providing music for today's ceremonies is the Regimental Band of the King's Own Calgary Regiment, (Calgary's Reserve armoured unit) and the Pipes and Drums of the Calgary Police Service. The Drummers in scarlet uniforms are the Drum Line of 1 PPCLI. The Drum Line is descended from the practice of using drummers and buglers on the field of battle to pass orders to fighting troops. All Drum Line soldiers perform other primary functions in the battalion and are volunteers for duty as drummers. The battalion is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel W:alter Sernianiw, assisted by the Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer William Forde.
As a modern mechanized infantry battalion, 1 PPCLI uses many types of vehicles. The vehicles on display today symbolize the span of military history that has passed since 1946. The small tracked vehicle supporting the dais is a Universal Carrier which was designed to transport a three man machine gun team. Used extensively in the Second World War, the Universal Carrier was still in service when the "Patricia's" arrived at Calgary in 1946. The two larger wheeled fighting vehicles are Light Armoured Vehicle (LAY) "Coyote", reconnaissance vehicles that have just been received this year in 1 PPCLI. The Coyote is the most technologically advanced reconnaissance vehicle in the world. Armed with a 25mm automatic cannon, two machine guns and smoke grenade launchers, the Coyote carries a suite of sophisticated on-board surveillance, target acquisition, and land navigation equipment. Built in Canada, these vehicles are used by the Reconnaissance Platoon of 1 PPCLI.
First Battalion, Princess Patricia's Light Infantry arrives in front of City Hall.
Lt. Col. Walter Semianiw, Commanding Officer, knocks on the door of City Hall to request Freedom of the City of Calgary.
The Commanding Officer is met by Police Chief Christine Silverberg.
Chief Silverberg escorts Lt. Col. Semianiw to the Acting Mayor's office.
Acting Mayor Barry Erskine takes the salute.
Inspection of the troops.
Acting Mayor Barry Erskine, by proclamation, grants the right to exercise the Freedom of the City of Calgary.
Greetings and presentation of gifts from Lt. Col. Walter Semianiw.
Greetings and presentation of The City's gift to the PPCLI.
The First Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry commences march past. Acting-Mayor Erskine takes the salute at reviewing dais on Stephen Avenue at Olympic Plaza.
The colourful and exciting FAREWELL TO CALGARY ceremonies at Currie Barracks, CFB Calgary on Saturday 21 June at 6:00p.m. You'll see displays of military skills, precision drill, military music and the moving Sunset Ceremony. Admission is free. Join "the Army of the West" as we say a military farewell to a GREAT ClTY.