The longstanding relationship between the city and 22 Wing North Bay is being celebrated on Tuesday.
The public is invited to a Freedom of the City parade and ceremony.
Officials say one of the highest ceremonial honours a municipality can grant a military unit is Freedom of the City, which recognizes the service and contributions of military members, civilian employees, veterans and their families who have helped shape North Bay over generations.
Colonel Shawn Guilbault, Commander, 22 Wing North Bay, says the military has been a part of the community for 75 years.
“The RCAF station at North Bay was stood up in 1951, we hit 75 years on the first of September,” he says. “The last time we did a Freedom of the City was in 2011, so we’re exercising it again. We have a great relationship with the city, and we love to do a little bit of ‘show and tell’ here.”
He says the tradition dates back to the time of walled cities in Europe, as a show of trust between the city authorities and military to be able to march through the city with weapons.
“22 Wing has been part of North Bay for generations, and its members and their families are an important part of our community,” says Mayor Peter Chirico. “The Freedom of the City is an opportunity to recognize that connection and the contributions of those who serve, both on and off the base,”
The city says members of 22 Wing are expected to arrive at City Hall’s Leger Square at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, after parading along Main Street from Algonquin Avenue to Wyld Street, then along McIntyre Street.
People are encouraged to attend the ceremony or show their support by gathering along the parade route.
