Ely’s army and air cadets were presented with the city’s highest honour during a poignant ceremony on Armed Forces Day.
The Freedom of the City of Ely was awarded to the organisations in recognition of their ‘long and valuable service’ to young people.
Cllr Chris Phillips, the city’s Mayor, said: “The certificates state just why this Freedom has been bestowed: ‘For the long and valuable service the Corps and Cadet Force has rendered to the young people of Ely and district and their contribution to civic life.
“The council recognises the dedication of all the officers, cadets and supporters and the value that the training, discipline and citizenship skills instilled give to the wider community and the nation’.”
The Freedom of the City of Ely was always championed by the late Mike Rouse, the city’s former Mayor and a long term councillor. He passed away in May 2022.
Armed Forces Day took place on Saturday (June 24) where the community gathered to mark the event.
City of Ely Standard Bearer Tom Brown carried the Union Standard as The Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps marched behind their own standards from Palace Green to Cross Green.
There, the Mayor presented the Freedom of the City of Ely certificates to Lt Darryl Gardiner of the Ely detachment of the Army Cadet Force and Flt Lt John Donoghue, officer commanding the City of Ely Royal Air Force Cadets.
The day also included a specially commissioned cry by Ely’s Town Crier Cecilia De-Boer, information stands from various military organisations and music from Breckland Brass Band.
Rev Alan Jessop, the Cambridgeshire county Royal British Legion chaplain, closed the event with a Drumhead Service.
Ahead of Saturday’s commemorations, and as an extra commitment to the armed forces community, the City of Ely Council also signed the Armed Forces Covenant in April.
This is a pledge that those who serve, or have served in the armed forces, and their families, will be treated with fairness and respect by their community.
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