COLCHESTER soldiers are set to parade through the city to mark a national day to thank the military.
Troops from Merville Barracks will parade through Colchester as the 16 Air Assault Brigade is set to exercise its Freedom of Colchester.
The march, set for Thursday, June 22, will see soldiers marching to mark Armed Forces Day – the nation’s chance to show its support to the military.
Some soldiers will be marching in ceremonial uniform and others in battledress carrying weapons and driving the vehicles they use on operations.
Stepping off at noon and led by British Army Band Colchester, the parade will take soldiers from East Hill along the High Street.
The salute will be taken at the town hall by soon to be mayor of Colchester, John Jowers, the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst and Brigadier Nick Cowley, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade.
It will be the first time the freedom has been exercised since Colchester was granted city status as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, awarded in part due to its 200 years of service as a garrison.
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Brigadier Cowley said: “We are hugely proud to call Colchester the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade, and the freedom parade promises to be a magnificent occasion to celebrate the strong relationship between its military and civilian communities and how that contributed to the granting of city status.
“By being on parade in both a ceremonial and tactical fashion we hope to provide a spectacle that illustrates the Brigade’s role as the British Army’s global response force.”
Mr Jowers added: “It is an honour to be part of this celebration as 16 Air Assault Brigade exercises its Freedom of Entry into the city of Colchester, solidifying our connection with the garrison and its integral link to our past, present, and future.
“I encourage residents and visitors alike to come and witness the parade – it promises to be an outstanding spectacle.”
The East Anglian branch of the Parachute Regimental Association will hold a service at its memorial stone in Castle Park after the parade.
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