IN PICTURES: Battalion exercises its right to Freedom of Entry in historic parade through Albany

Onlookers braved the wind and rain to pay their respects to the soldiers of the 11th/28th Battalion of the Royal Western Australian Regiment, who marched through Albany on Saturday in an historic Freedom of Entry parade. The battalion was granted the right to Freedom of Entry to the City of Albany in 1987, the highest honour bestowed upon a military unit by a council. The Freedom of Entry tradition dates back to ancient times, and allows military units to march freely through the streets of a city on ceremonial occasions. Seven military units have been granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Albany. More than 200 soldiers marched on foot and in armoured vehicles along Stirling Terrace and York Street before gathering at Anzac Peace Park for official proceedings, including a salute to Mayor Dennis Wellington and the people of Albany. Albany’s rich Menang culture was central to the proceedings, with elder Aden Eades leading a welcome to country that paid homage to his father, decorated servicemen Frederick Eades, who served in the Australian Imperial Forces in World War II. The acknowledgement was followed by a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse the contingent as they made their way into the park.