Posted Jul 30, 2023 6:08pm ET
Alberta Lieutenant Governor the Honorable Salma Lakhani met with members of the 1 Field Ambulance Sunday after the unit was granted city liberty in St. Albert. (Dave Mitchell/CTV News Edmonton)
The longest-serving military medical unit in the Canadian Armed Forces was honored on Sunday.
Founded in 1898 as the Bearer Company of Halifax and renamed in 1906, the Edmonton-based 1 Field Ambulance received the city’s freedom in St. Albert.
In a symbolic ceremony, the unit was given permission to march through the city. It’s a centuries-old tradition.
“The freedom of the city has long been an important part of military history. So it’s important for us to maintain that relationship with the City of St. Albert and to come here, parade, receive support, and show our support to them as well. The community is huge,” said Maj. Kenneth Hiscock, Deputy Commander, 1st Field Ambulance.
Hiscock said not all units make it as long as a field ambulance, making Sunday’s ceremony even more meaningful.
“The importance of today’s event is enormous,” he added. “As different units come and go in Canada, it’s very important for us to be here and celebrate a full 125 lineage.”
Several pieces of military equipment were on site for the occasion, including an armored ambulance and a portable medical treatment facility.1
In 1998, 1 Field Ambulance was awarded freedom of the city in Edmonton to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the unit.