Milton Keynes hosts military march to mark 678 (Rifles)Squardron being awarded Freedom of the Borough

A military parade took place in central Milton Keynes yesterday (March 11)to honour the 678 (Rifles) Squadron being awarded the Freedom of the Borough.

The award is the highest accolade Milton Keynes Council can award any citizen or organisation in the city with local dignatories joining members of the public to mark the special event. Mayor David Hopkin officially handed over the award.

The 678 (Rifles) Squadron, 6 Army Air Corps, with a long associated Army Reserve partnership with Milton Keynes, exercised their right to march in a colourful, lively display close to the Theatre District

The march was the culmination of months of planning with members of the public given the chance to meet and chat with servicemen and women after the event, and find out more about the work that they do.

More information on joining and its benefits to you can be found at www.army.mod.uk or by calling 01908-211155 to be part of your local Army Reserve unit.

The council has awarded the Freedom of the Borough six times since its inception in 1974. The first was to Lord Campbell of Eskan on March 18, 1982. The second went to the Royal Green Jackets in 1998 and this was reconfirmed when they became part of The Rifles in 2007, Dr Jim Marshall OBE in 2009, Dame Cleo Laine in 2011, Red Bull Racing in 2014, and Pete Winkelman, MK Dons FC Chairman, in 2015.