Hamilton’s 31 Signals Regiment – a reserve communications unit formerly known as 705 Comms Sqn – will be granted “freedom of the city” by Hamilton’s mayor during a ceremony this weekend.
The following is the news release issued by the Mayor’s office.
CITY OF HAMILTON GRANTS HISTORIC PRIVILEGE OF “FREEDOM OF THE CITY”
TO 31 SIGNALS REGIMENT – SATURDAY 21 APRIL – 1:00 PM
Commencing at 1:00 PM on the forecourt of City Hall, Mayor Bob Bratina and Members of Council will formally grant the honour of “Freedom of the City of Hamilton” in recognition of the unit’s centennial and to mark the service of generations of “Hamilton Signallers” in peace and war since the unit was formed as No 1 Wireless Detachment, Royal Canadian Engineers since 1 April 1912.
This historic ceremony begins at 1:00 PM on Saturday 21 April with the Commanding Officer of 31 Signals Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Federico approaching the main entrance to City Hall. He will be met and challenged with words to the effect “What is your business here today?” by Chief Glenn Decaire as the “Chief Constable”. Permission being granted to enter City Hall and state his business as “We the Soldiers of 31 Signals Regiment” have been commanded to appear for the purpose of being granted the honour of the Freedom of the City of Hamilton. His Worship the Mayor accompanied by any Members of Council will then move to the forecourt and the Proclamation will be granted allowing the Regiment to “March through the streets of Hamilton drums beating and bayonets fixed from this day forward.”
During the ceremony the Mayor will present Overseas Service Pins (Afghanistan) to a number of members of the Regiment who have returned from service in Afghanistan.
Press are requested to be in place by 12:50 PM please.
Point of Contact for Press Inquiries: Peggy Chapman, Chief of Staff, Mayor of Hamilton peggy.chapman@hamilton.ca