A ceremony steeped in custom will likely be held on town streets this weekend to reaffirm and assist the Navy’s presence in Cairns.
The crew of HMAS Cairns will undertake a Freedom of Entry March from the Lagoon Plaza at 8.30am on Saturday 25 June into the CBD earlier than an “official problem” to enter town.
About 140 Navy officers and sailors will participate within the ceremonial march, which can embody beating drums, colors flying and the Australian Navy band.
“The procession will begin on the Lagoon Plaza, transfer down Shields St, flip into Abbott St and can halt when it reaches the Metropolis Library,” Mayor Bob Manning mentioned.
“At that time, Appearing Assistant Police Commissioner, Glenn Morris, of Cairns Police will place a verbal problem to the Navy’s entry that will likely be answered in conventional ceremonious trend by the HMAS Cairns Commanding Officer, Commander Alfonso Santos.”
This would be the first time in 5 years that Cairns has borne witness to this ceremony.
“The granting of the Freedom of Entry to the Metropolis represents the best civil honour {that a} metropolis can bestow on a army unit,” Cr Manning mentioned.
“It’s a symbolic honour, demonstrating belief, loyalty and sense of neighborhood between town and the army.”
The Freedom of Entry March stems from 12th century Europe, when army items would search the liberty to recruit and commerce throughout the partitions of a metropolis.
The unit would then march ceremoniously by means of the streets in a show of belief and friendship with between the residents and army personnel.
Commanding Officer HMAS Cairns, Commander Alfonso Santos, mentioned the occasion reinforces the sturdy connection Navy personnel have with Far North Queensland.
“Since World Conflict II, the Cairns neighborhood has at all times stood by the Navy. Cairns was the ultimate port of name for a lot of ships heading to the Pacific – this sturdy assist continues as we speak,” he mentioned.
“The Freedom of Entry is a chance for Navy to say how proud we’re to serve and name town our house.”
Following the official problem, the procession will journey from the Metropolis Library alongside Florence St and on to the Esplanade.
There will likely be a proper salute on the Cenotaph earlier than ending on the Lagoon Plaza.
Members of the general public are invited to line the streets and to be part of this historic occasion.
ROAD CLOSURES
The occasion requires rolling highway closures between 8.15am and 9.45am on Saturday 25 June, beginning on the nook of Esplanade and Shields St, adopted by Shields St to Abbott St, then Abbott St to Florence St, and eventually Florence St to the Esplanade.
