Warman City Hall was the site of a rare ceremony Saturday, April 2, as the City of Warman bestowed ‘Freedom of the City’ on 38 Combat Engineer Regiment (CER).
Freedom of the City is a highly-regarded honour extended to individual units of the Canadian Armed Forces. As stated in Mayor Gary Philipchuk’s proclamation outside Warman City Hall, granting Freedom of the City allows 38 CER “the right of marching through the city with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and flags flying on ceremonial occasion by virtue of the unanimous resolution of Warman City Council.”
38 CER is comprised of Saskatoon-based 46 Engineer Squadron and Winnipeg-based 31 Engineer Squadron. As a whole, 38 CER is a unit within 38 Canadian Brigade Group, for which they provide engineer support.
The ceremony lined up with 38 CER’s 10th anniversary as a Regiment and, fittingly, was granted by a municipality celebrating its 10th anniversary as a City.
The ceremony began with approximately 40 members of 38 CER marching west down Central Street., halting outside City Hall. Mirroring the ancient practice of an outside military approaching a city’s gates, the Commanding Officer of 38 CER advanced alone towards the doors of City Hall after identifying their unit to a Chief Constable within the RCMP.
After knocking on the doors of City Hall and identifying the Regiment to Mayor Philipchuk and members of Warman City Council, 38 CER was granted the ability to march in their troops. This meant marching onto 5th Avenue, where 38 CER moved into formation and were officially extended Freedom of the City by the Mayor in the aforementioned proclamation.
As the colours of 38 CER rose up the flag pole outside City Hall, members of the Regiment fixed bayonets and awaited a ceremonial inspection by Mayor Philipchuk and the Commanding Officer. Upon completion of the inspection, Mayor Philipchuck addressed the members of 38 CER as well as the residents in attendance.
“The City of Warman and its residents are extremely proud to have felt a strong community presence from 38 Combat Engineer Regiment, especially 46 Engineer Squadron,” he said. “Their presence has been an impactful addition to our Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout the years.”
“We’re also grateful for the Regiment’s selfless commitment to our Canadian Armed Forces and their integral role within the 38 Canadian Brigade Group. We thank you for your service,” Mayor Philipchuk added.
After honourary certificates had been exchanged by the City and 38 CER, Mayor Philipchuk granted the Regiment the ability to carry on.
38 CER marched onward, down Klassen Street and Collins Street with the sounds of bagpipes and drums echoing off local businesses.
This officially marked their first time exercising the Freedom of the City of Warman.