On Sunday the 30th May 2021, Edmondson Park squadron paraded in the public for the for the first time. Joining other squadrons from NSW, this parade was in support of the Australian Air League New South Wales Group Annual Ceremonial Parade. While many where nervous before, everyone was quite happy that we had completed our first public parade.
The day started early for the squadron, meeting at Edmondson Park Train station at 9am, here members jumped on a train and made their way to Hyde Park in Sydney CBD. Once arriving at Hyde Park, the parade started to form up at 11:30am. We where very excited to march in our first parade. The squadron had been practising for weeks, with the flag party only having 3 weeks to learn a whole new skill, however with guidance from our officers we made it through.
The parade kicked off at 11:55am and made it’s way down Elizabeth Street to the Parade Grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens (in front of Government House). With a short break before marching to take a place on the field, with parents in tow, everyone was excited that we had made it. With the Governor of New South Wales as the reviewing officer, inspecting the parade, the Governor stopped to have a talk to us being the newest squadron.
Then there were the awards which included a few members from the squadron:
- Mr Lachlan Abernathy and Mr Sterrett being awarded their 10 Year service medals
- Mr Arjun Jogia being presented with his Officer Warrant
- Mr Brendan Fox being awarded his 25 Year service award and his General Education Diploma
After a final little march around the grounds we completed the last few formal produces of the parade, then all the parents wanted photos. Then we were on our way home, happy that we have completed our first parade. Now we know what to expect during parades and we look forward to our next one. Maybe even one day having a marching band of our own.