Taunton Town centre is getting ready to welcome hundreds of people to come and watch 40 Commando Royal Marines exercising their Freedom of the Borough of Taunton Deane on Saturday June 30th.
The Royal Marines are celebrating 35 years being based at Norton Manor Camp, near Taunton, and the event is taking place on national Armed Forces Day.
Freedom parades are spectacular and this is the first to be held since 2013. It promises to be an event to remember with a series of activities planned in the town centre from 9am. The parade is due to start at 11am and details will be advertised nearer the time.
The Freedom event is close to the heart of Mayor Catherine Herbert, whose husband Robin was a Royal Marine. One of her chosen charities this year is Taunton Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets. “To say that I am delighted to be hosting this event on behalf of our Borough would be an understatement,” she said. “Freedom parades are spectacular and emotional – as a Borough we have such strong and close ties with 40 Commando.
“We are so proud of their history and service to our country. We have mourned their losses with them and we have celebrated their successes. The parade is our chance to demonstrate our support and respect.”
Commanding Officer of 40 Commando, Lt Col Paul Maynard, said: “40 Commando are extremely proud and honoured to be exercising the Freedom of Taunton on Armed Forces Day. Our close relationship with Taunton is fundamental to so many aspects of our business and following 35 years of unwavering support, we will be
seeking to make the event as memorable as possible to show our thanks to this incredible community.”
40 Commando Royal Marines were awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Taunton Deane in 2003 by Taunton Deane Borough Council. One of the rights conferred by the award of Freedom of the Borough is the right to march through Taunton with band playing and rifles with bayonets fixed.
Taunton is expected to be extremely busy on the day so those planning to watch the parade are advised to arrive early and then enjoy the events and entertainment that will be on offer. All car parks will be open and an update on travel arrangements will be publicised within the next few days.
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