A special ceremony took place on Saturday morning as the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 187 Squadron asked to be granted the Freedom of The City.

This ceremony only happens once in a lifetime and it was requested to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the group that served High River Nanton, Okotoks and the surrounding areas since 1942 and is based at the High River Airport.

Lt. David Moretta said the cadets were very excited about the ceremony.

"This only happens once that a group like this is given Freedom of the City," said Moretta. "So this was a very important first step for our 75th anniversary celebrations."

After being granted Freedom of the City the Squadron marched in the Little Britches Parade as the honoured community group and escorted Parade Marshall MP John Barlow and his wife Louise.

The ceremony dates back to Ancient Rome.

"For the cadets to be recognized this way publicly, by the Mayor and Council and the community as a whole for 75 years of service to the community, is a very, very big event for them."

He added they were all happy to take part.

High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass was also happy to be a part of such a special ceremony.

"This is really, really cool. What an honour to be a part of this," said Snodgrass.