Freedom of the City now bestowed on 1 Service Battalion

Military unit formally welcomed to thank it for 50 years of service

An Edmonton-based Canadian Forces unit responsible for maintenance and support had its moment in the spotlight Sunday when it received the Freedom of the City.

Led by commanding officer Lt.Col. Heather Morrison, 1 Service Battalion marched through downtown Edmonton on Sunday morning to mark its 50th anniversary and the positive relationship between the unit and city residents.

The long-standing tradition dates back to 15th-century England, when military units were required to request access and share their motives to move through cities during the War of the Roses.

“It symbolizes the bond and trust between community and Canadian military,” Morrison said after her battalion was granted the right to enter Edmonton by Mayor Don Iveson.

“That’s significant here in Edmonton. There’s no other major city in Canada that is as open, supportive and welcoming to its military members than Edmonton has been and is today,” she added, as Iveson cheered enthusiastically.

Iveson and Lt.- Gov. Lois Mitchell welcomed the military unit into the city to thank it for 50 years of service to Canada.

“The base is such a big part of our economy and such a big part of our community, it’s important for the city to recognize and welcome our service members and their families,” Iveson said following the ceremony.

The unit is made up of supply, transportation and maintenance experts who provide support to front line fighters. The battalion has been based in Edmonton for 22 years and Iveson said it is important to acknowledge its achievements.

“The service battalion is the human resources folks, maintenance people, truck drivers and finance people for the army. They don’t always get a light shone on them, and yet they play a critical role, too, for the Armed Forces,” he said.

“It takes a whole team of people working together to get things done, and it’s their turn to have the spotlight today.”

Marching through the city with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band provided the unit a chance to parade, which members don’t often have the opportunity to do, Morrison said.

LARRY WONG Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson inspects 1 Service Battalion during the Freedom of the City of Edmonton Parade held at Edmonton City Hall on Sunday. Marking the Battalion’s 50th anniversary, this was the first time 1 Service Battalion has been granted Freedom of the City of Edmonton.

NICK LEES Thanking golfers for raising $400,000 are, from left, Tom Ruth, Edmonton International Airport CEO and honorary chair of the foundation’s World Golf Partnership; Claudia Hudspeth, global head of health programs for the Aga Khan Foundation; and game convener Hussein Bhani.