The parade grants the crew of HMAS Parramatta IV the right to march through the City’s street with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and ensign flying, and forms part of a day-long celebration in Parramatta.
Crowds of office workers and school students are expected to line the parade route, cheering on Navy officers in a show of appreciation for the Navy’s service to Parramatta, and the nation.
Ahead of the parade, a special welcoming ceremony will be held at the HMAS Parramatta I stern, followed by a wreath-laying memorial service at the HMAS Parramatta II memorial to remember the 138 sailors who died when the ship sank on November 26, 1941.
To honour the men and women serving on HMAS Parramatta, Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr John Chedid will present a Key to the City to the Ship’s commanding officer Commander Simon Cannell.
The event forms part of a Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review 2013.
