Wanganui people out and about on Saturday saw local soldiers making military history with the last charter parade by the 5th Wellington, West Coast and Taranaki (5WWCT) Battalion.
The battalion is likely to amalgamate with the 7th Hawke's Bay Battalion this year, which meant Saturday's "freedom of the city" chartermarch was the last chance to see the battalion "march through the town with weapons, fixed bayonets, colours flying and drum beating".
Regimental Sergeant Major Wayne McAsey said people didn't see the battalion very often, so it was a chance to show their appreciation, because most of these guys have served overseas.
Medals were awarded to six of the battalion's soldiers for their services to the military.
In Victoria Avenue, the battalion was met by Whanganui police, who issued a challenge showing the kinship between forces and welcoming them into the city. Wanganui's Deputy Mayor, Rangi Wills, read the charter before medals were presented to some battalion members by Colonel (Rtd) Martin Devlin, Honorary Colonel 5th Wellington West Coast and Taranaki Battalion.
