RAF now free to march for its centenary
Cannock Chase's Royal Air Force Association branch is set to become only the second in the country to be given the freedom to parade around their community.
The Cannock Chase (573) Branch, formed in 1946, is to be honoured with a freedom award from Cannock Chase District Council as the authority looks to mark the RAF centenary in 2018.
As a military privilege Freedom of Entry is an ancient honour granted to martial units that have offered up their services and earned the trust of their community over a period of time.
Council leader George Adamson said that 'the honour will truly be ours' on behalf of the council, adding it has 'never been more important' to show respect to serving soldiers and veterans.
He said: "With the centenary of the end of the First World War almost upon us, it has never been more important to show our respect and gratitude to serving soldiers and veterans of our Armed Forces.
“The Freedom honour and parade through the town will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the District to show their support for serving soldiers and veterans, who will be marching side by side.
“The Council will be bestowing the Freedom honour on the Cannock Chase (573) Branch, but the honour will truly be ours.”
Freedom of Entry to the district traditionally grants military organisations the freedom to march through the streets with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed.
It does not carry any rights or responsibilities but is the most honourable distinction that a District Council can bestow.
Branch chairman and local councillor, Brian Gamble, said: “We are humbled - yet proud that that the work of the branch over the past 71 years and, more importantly, the contribution the RAF has made to the nation, is being marked in this way.
"Full details of a ceremony to celebrate this honour have not been finalised, but are expected to be announced in September”.
The practice with previous civilian awards is for the Council to present a hand-decorated vellum scroll, inscribed with a transcription of the resolution conferring the honour, sealed with the Council's corporate seal, and a freedom casket.
A civic reception normally follows the ceremony.
The Royal Air Force celebrates its centenary on April 1, 2018, where a church service will take place followed by a military parade through the town centre into Hednesford Park.
