Freedom of Entry to the City of Maroondah - 10 November 2019

At the 2019 Maroondah Festival on Sunday 10 November, the 408 Squadron and 4 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets (based in Maroondah) exercised their right to enter the City of Maroondah- Freedom of Entry - “with swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and banners flying”.
A Freedom of Entry is the most honourable distinction a city may bestow on a contingent of the Australian Defence Force and is celebrated with a ceremonial parade through the city streets as an affirmation of the bond between the regiment and the citizenry.
The ceremonial event involved the Squadron marching on parade (with colours flying) from Fred Geale Oval along Norton Road on to the Festival site to a ‘Challenge Point’ in front of the Main Stage on the Croydon Athletics Track.
Here they were ‘challenged’. Once permission to enter was granted, the Squadron proceeded south, past Keystone Hall and back to Fred Geale Oval where they were dismissed.