Drums, bagpipes and bayonets flooded downtown streets this morning as 200 soldiers marched through the Exchange District. They were carrying on a time-honoured tradition which began in medieval Europe.
The Freedom of the City of Winnipeg parade started at 9:45 a.m. at city hall and featured 200 members of the Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
"I just love to see them on parade,” said Korean War veteran Robert Nisbet.“We used to be sharp like that, and I say, look at us now, forty pounds overweight and two left feet."
Friday marks the 100th anniversary of the PPCLI. The second battalion was first granted Freedom of the City in Winnipeg in June of 1972.
The tradition started in medieval Europe, when armies announced themselves when entering a new city. If the force was friendly, it was allowed to come through without having to disarm.
"At one point, they did the same thing I did, they were standing in the same spot, and the same drill, everything, and it's nice to carry on their legacy as well," said Sgt. Darrell Rostek.
The unit has served in Winnipeg for more than 60 years.
"To have a place to come back to, where they're appreciated by the citizens of the city, is very, very important for soldiers and their families," said retired Lt.-Gen. Ray Crabbe.
"I got out of the car and shaking hands all the way up here, you feel a little embarrassed, like, you know, I'm not really a hero. I just did my job, but they're all thanking you," saidNisbet.
This is the seventh time the PPCLI has exercised its freedom of the City of Winnipeg.
- With a report by Rahim Ladhani
