What does getting a key to the city mean?
I live in California, and I recently learned that the pilot of the plane that went down in the Hudson River was awarded a key to the city of Danville. I would like to understand what receiving a key to the city signifies. What is the significance of this honor, and what does it typically represent in terms of community recognition and appreciation?
7 Answers
It’s a symbolic gift from the city’s administration. An ornamental key is presented to esteemed visitors, residents, or others the city wishes to honor. Evoking medieval walled cities whose gates were guarded during the day and locked at night, the key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will as a trusted friend of city residents.
Of course, the person receiving the key is always free to enter the city at will, but this is a ceremonial gesture of welcome and appreciation to someone.
In medieval times, it was the keys to all the gates in the city. In other words you were so trusted that you were given free run of the place day or night.
Feb 20, 2025
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_the_City#U…
This site os too big for me to copy it for you, but it gives all the history of the Key to the City Award. It is an honor award given to those who have proven themselves deserving of such honor.
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