Sailors from HMS Dragon will parade through the streets of Wrexham on Friday, June 13 as they celebrate the Freedom of the City for the first time.
Watched by local dignitaries – and hopefully many local residents – the crew of the Type 45 destroyer will march through the heart of the city centre before being hosted at an official reception to cement the bond.
The ship was adopted by Wrexham last summer and civic leaders promptly bestowed their highest honour upon the Portsmouth-based warship and her ship’s company.
Their hectic schedule – which included a milestone first takedown of a supersonic missile by the Royal Navy during NATO exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland in May – has prevented the ship’s company from exercising their right until now.
Since then, when Dragon’s demanding programme has allowed, the 200-strong ship’s company have been preparing for the hometown visit, including undertaking specific drill training to reach the highest standards required for the march.
Ahead of the parade the ranks will be inspected by Wrexham’s Mayor Councillor Tina Mannering, who will also take the salute of the marching sailors at Queens Square alongside Commanding Officer Commander Iain Giffin.
Commander Iain Giffin said:
“There is no greater honour that a city can bestow than the Freedom of the City and I humbled that Wrexham has extended this privilege to HMS Dragon.
“Today is a proud moment for HMS Dragon and a fitting opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of our sailors, marching in full ceremonial dress, with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the people of Wrexham.”
The Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Tina Mannering, said:
“It will be a tremendous honour to take the salute of the sailors as they march through the city, and I hope as many people as possible will turn out to support the parade.
“This will be a fantastic occasion, as we celebrate our wonderful partnership with HMS Dragon.”
Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, added:
“Wrexham has always been proud of its links with the armed services and it will be wonderful to welcome the crew to the county borough, so they can celebrate the Freedom of the City.
“HMS Dragon is the first ship affiliated with Wrexham since the Second World War, and we are tremendously proud of this very special relationship.”
The sailors will march onto Llwyn Isaf green (outside the Guildhall) at 10.40am, before marching through the city centre.
In being named Freemen of Wrexham, the sailors are in select company including Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
