The Parachute Regiment flag is set to be raised in Colchester for the first time in the Paras' 60-year history.
The ceremony, set to be held on Thursday, will mark the arrival of the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment into Colchester Garrison.
The Paras will be moving to Colchester from Aldershot as part of the government's Strategic Defence Review and the formation of 16 Air Assault Brigade, which has its headquarters and most of its troops based in the town.
The Paras will move into Meeanee Barracks in Mersea Road during next week, and in August will be joined by more troops from 3 Para in Hyderabad Barracks.
Once the troops have settled in a civic ceremony will be held to mark their change of home.
Six members of the battalion will be running in the London Marathon - dressed as a cake.
On April 16 they will run to raise cash for the Colchester branch of the Whizz Kidz charity which helps children with mobility difficulties.
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