The rain couldn't stop the parade as 500 military personnel marched down Esquimalt Road to Esquimalt municipal hall Thursday afternoon.
Upon arrival the sailors, air force personnel and soldiers lined up in ranks, and watched as CFB Esquimalt Commander, navy Capt. Craig Baines, use the pommel of his sword to knock three times on the front doors to municipal hall.
Mayor Barb Desjardins answered the door and invited Baines in. She later read a proclamation to the crowd of residents that gathered, granting the military the right to bear arms, with drums beating and colours flying, as they marched through the township.
The two leaders later reviewed the troops, after which the military members marched to HMC Dockyard at the base.
