Freedom of the City ceremony in Halifax celebrates centennial anniversary of the Naval Reserve

Greater than a 100 members from HMCS Scotian marched by means of the streets of downtown Halifax to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Naval Reserve in Canada.

“It’s an honour bestowed on a metropolis to its militia, in our case the Naval Reserve, to have the ability to have the liberty to bear arms and march by means of the town with out being arrested or inflicting issues,” defined commanding officer of HMCS Scotian, Kyle Penney.

The Freedom of the Metropolis ceremony features a parade which is a symbolic gesture honouring navy items with historic, social and geographical ties to the area. It acknowledges their devoted service and fosters robust bonds between the unit and the residents.

Rhythmic sounds of drums and trumpets blaring with colors flying, members of HMCS Scotian marched to the entrance steps of Metropolis Corridor, the place Mayor Mike Savage welcomed the reserves parade across the metropolis.

“It exhibits the connection between the town, the group and the militia reserve. Historically the militia and the navy reserves would assist shield the communities that they had been in,” mentioned Penney.

Mayor Mike Savege speaks to members of the HMCS Scotian for the Freedom of the Metropolis ceremony. (CTV/Hafsa Arif) The Freedom of the Metropolis was first given in 1997. In Halifax, the primary march was 11 years in the past, making it the second time members showcased their delight and dedication however a primary for a lot of within the parade together with sub-lieutenant of HMCS, Omar Bitar.

“I’m extraordinarily proud to be within the Navy. I’ve an older brother who serves full-time on the common power so simply doing my half. I’m additionally in college so [I’m] simply taking part and giving as a lot to the navy as I can,” mentioned Bitar.

Members of the HMCS Scotian march previous the digicam at Halifax Metropolis Corridor for the Freedom of the Metropolis ceremony. (CTV/Hafsa Arif)There are 24 naval reserves throughout Canada. HMCS Scotian is the one reserve unit in Nova Scotia, together with 4 others on the East Coast.

Between the Navy and metropolis, the connection has deep roots, mentioned Bitar. “On this city, particularly in Halifax, the Navy is absolutely essential, so simply maintaining relations with the general public and establishing out presence.”

A celebration that not solely pays homage to the previous but additionally appears forward to the longer term.

For extra Nova Scotia information go to our devoted provincial web page.