Lismore! Kicking off the 30th Lismore Lantern Parade, today's splendid Freedom of Entry made for a stunning spectacle as they marched through the streets. 

(Photo: LCC)

People lined the path of the parading army, wanting a glimpse of the soldiers, and enjoying the band. The ceremonial uniforms, medals and weapons on display made a mighty spectacular vision as they stepped in perfect unison down the street to the sound of the Australian Army Band.

(Photo: LCC)

(Photo: LCC)

“Halt, who goes there?” rung out the voice of Richmond PD Superintendent Scott Tanner, who was there to challenge the legion in a powerful standoff. He stepped in front of the Army and challenged the Lieutenant Colonel, Officer in charge of the 41st Battalion, Danial Healy, demanding security for the city.

(Photo: LCC. It looked nerve racking to stand up to a fully armed group, no matter how secure the circumstances are.)

(Supt Tanner resplendent in full dress uniform)

The regiment declared themselves, and Supt Tanner recognised their right to be here armed as they were, and they were permitted to continue on their way.

(Photo: LCC)

It was then on to inspection at the keen eye of the Mayor of Lismore, Councillor Steve Krieg. The assembled dignitaries provided the peaceful invasion with a scroll to commemorate the occasion, and the 41st Batallion provided a token of their own to the City of Lismore to commemorate the occasion.

(Photo: LCC)

(Photo: LCC)

(Photo: LCC. Lietenant Colonel Danial Healy accepts the scroll to commemorate the occasion)

(Photo: LCC)

(Lismores Mayor, Councillor Steve Kreig holds the commerorative memorabilia presented to Lismore as part of the presentation.)

The Mayor was very much looking forward to inspecting the troops. I asked him how it went, and if he found anything untoward. He said, "No, no, too nervous." I confirmed whether he was reffering to the troops, and he replied, "Me! Just happy to be there, it's not something you get to do every day. It's very much and honor and a privilege for me to be involved." With a brief reflection and a smile he said, "some of them may have been nervous, too!"

(MP's and Mayors here for the spectacle)

What we witnessed today was a right not afforded in all places around the world. Even with the pomp and ceremony, there is a certain amount of awe when you see fully armed military personel moving through a public space.

(Photo: LCC)

(Photo: LCC)

It is a sight to remember…