Fredericton, NB – Approximately 500 soldiers from CFB Gagetown will march through Fredericton’s downtown core on Saturday, September 6 as the military base – celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - is granted Freedom of the City.

The Freedom of the City entitles CFB Gagetown the rights, privileges, honour and distinction of marching within the bounds of the City of Fredericton with “colours flying, bayonets fixed and drums beating.”

“In granting this honour, City Council is recognizing the important role that CFB Gagetown plays in the economic well-being of our community and the fundamental role it plays in the defence of the freedoms we enjoy,” said Mayor Brad Woodside. “We also honour and recognize the sacrifice of the soldiers from Base Gagetown who have lost their lives or been wounded in Afghanistan and other conflicts. We mourn their loss and we share their families’ pain.”

The granting of the Freedom of the City is the highest honour a municipality can bestow upon a military unit, and is extended very selectively for conspicuous service to the community or the nation.

“This ceremony truly speaks to the unique relationship that CFB Gagetown has with the City of Fredericton and surrounding communities,” said Col. Ken Chadder, Commander of 3 Area Support Group / CFB Gagetown. “Being given the privilege of marching Canadian Forces troops through the city is a very concrete way for Frederictonians to pay tribute to the men and women in uniform, and we certainly consider this parade as our way of saying thanks to you for such strong support. Our members and their families are very fortunate to live in a place where mutual respect and support are so evident.”

The parade will form up around 9:30 a.m. near the Royal Canadian Legion on upper Queen Street before marching along Pointe-Sainte-Anne Boulevard to Regent Street and along Queen Street. It will halt at the intersection of Queen and York streets near the front steps of City Hall for the official Freedom of the City ceremony at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The public is invited to view the parade and the official Freedom of the City ceremony at City Hall.

The parade will necessitate the closure of several city streets along the parade route. The east bound lanes of Pointe-Sainte-Anne Boulevard from Smythe Street to Regent Street will be closed briefly while the parade passes en route to City Hall.

Queen Street will be closed to all traffic between the intersections of Regent Street and York Street for two hours starting at 9 a.m.  Also, York Street, Wilmot Alley and Carleton Street will be closed to traffic between the intersections of King Street and Queen Street.  All traffic will be required to detour around Queen Street using King Street. Detour signs will be in place to warn motorists of the closure and to guide motorists through the detour route.

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Media Contacts:  John White, Communications, City of Fredericton, 506-460-2227. Stéphanie Duchesne, Public Affairs Officer, CFB Gagetown (506) 422-2000 ext 2466.