Adventures in Parramatta - Freedom of Entry Parade HMAS Parramatta

This past week has seen Sydney play host to the International Fleet Review to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Australian Navy. The City of Parramatta also played host to the Navy with a Freedom of Entry Parade for the crew of the HMAS Parramatta. 

"The Freedom of the City can also be granted by municipal authorities to military units which have earned the city's trust; in this context, it is sometimes called the Freedom of Entry. This allows them the freedom to parade through the city, and is an affirmation of the bond between the regiment and the citizenry."

HMAS Parramatta exercised her Freedom of Entry in Church Street Mall, then marched through the City watched by thousands of people.

Photo: c/- Kuini Mataka

The crew of HMAS Parramatta waiting in Darcy Street for the parade to start.

Photo: c/- Kim Marsh

Photo: c/- Kim Marsh

Photo: c/- Kim Marsh

Photo: c/- Kim Marsh

Photos: c/- Owls.Teapots.Shoes.Oh My

The Church Street Mall was full of people waving Aussie Flags and cheering on the crew as they were received at the Parramatta Town Hall by NSW Police, who then escorted them through the Parramatta CBD to the Riverside Theatre for the formal celebrations. We were also treated to a flyover by helicopters. 

Before the Freedom of Entry Celebrations, there was a Remembrance Ceremony at Queens Wharf Reserve, Parramatta, where the Stern of HMAS Parramatta I is on display, and a memorial to HMAS Parramatta II, that was sunk during World War II, with 138 lives lost.

Another great celebration in Parramatta. The City certainly puts on a great parade.