The Australian Defence Force Academy
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Freedom of Entry
10 March 2008
More than 1000 Midshipmen, Officer Cadets and staff exercised Freedom of Entry to the City of Canberra on Monday 10 March 2008.
Led by the Commandant ADFA, Brigadier Wayne Goodman, they marched through the city centre with ‘swords drawn, drums beating, band playing and Colours flying’.
Brigadier Goodman said it was a privilege to march into Canberra City, and to participate in the Canberra Day celebrations.
“The right of Freedom of Entry is a significant honour, demonstrating trust, loyalty and a sense of community between a city and a military unit.
“Over the last 22 years the Academy has developed a strong association with the City of Canberra, with Midshipmen, Officer Cadets and staff involved in a range of sporting, academic and community events.
“We are proud to exercise a tradition that recognises this involvement and to continue to foster an enduring relationship between the City and the Academy”.
Members of the Australian Federal Police challenged the Parade as it marched along London Circuit towards the centre of the city.
Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, hosted by Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, Commander Joint Education Training and Warfare, then reviewed the Parade.
ADFA saluted the citizens of Canberra before departing to ‘Black Bear’, played by the ADFA Band.
ADFA exercised the medieval tradition of Freedom of Entry to the City of Canberra as part of the 2008 Canberra Festival. It was the first time ADFA had exercised this right since it was granted on 15 September 1995 in recognition of loyal and devoted service to Sovereign, Country and City.
