Crowds Turn Out In Their Hundreds As Royal Marines Awarded Freedom Of Birmingham

 The Royal Marines have been given the Freedom of the City of Birmingham in a special ceremony watched by over two hundred people.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham praised them for their heroic deeds and close ties with the city.

After getting recognition outside the City Hall by Lord Mayor Anne Underwood, veterans, cadets and serving marines marched through the city to the sound of the Royal Marines band.

Over two hundred locals came to see the parade and were pleased the marines were getting their recognition; one onlooker said:

“We’re really glad to come and cheer the boys on- they put massive effort into protecting and supporting us, so it’s the least we can do”.

The Commandant General, Major General Charlie Strickland, expressed his pride at being involved in the parade:

“It’s a real honour to be able to march through a city with the band playing, bayonets shining in the sun and your flags flying.

“It shows that the military are part of our society, and it’s a really proud thing”.

Birmingham has always been a good recruiting ground for the Royal Marines, so after the parade they showcased what they do best with a hand to hand combat demonstration, before taking the time to have some photos with their local fans.