In 2008, Alexander Ovechkin received “The Key to the City” Washington DC in honor of being the first player in NHL history to receive the most valuable player, outstanding player, top scorer, and goal scoring leader awards in the same season.
In 2012, Lebanese recording artist Nancy Ajram received “The Key to the City” of Las Vegas.
We hear this reported every so often, a person or organization is awarded “The Key to the City”, and it is an honor. But what does it really mean? What does it mean to receive “The Key to the City”?
How did awarding “The Keys to the City” begin?
During medieval times, people defended cities by building a wall around the city. Guards defend the gates to the city 24 hours a day. The wall and guards were necessary to defend against invaders and other unsavory members of society. Guards on watch tower were always on the lookout for potential adversaries arriving many miles away. Upon arrival, guards guarding the gates help keep the city safe by removing and confiscating weapons from visitors and guests.
Is it an actual key and how does it work?
Back during medieval times, “The Key to the City” would be an actual key that could open the city gates. It was an honor given upon the recipient. It meant that the city residents trusted the recipient, and that trust meant the recipient could come and go as they pleased. They even got to keep their weapons while within the city walls.
Today, cities are no longer protected by physical walls. There is no need for actual keys to go in and out of cities. It is very impractical to build a wall around a modern city, given the size of a typical city. And weapons have also changed, so walls are not very good for defense. But we still award “The Key to the City” to people or organizations that are deemed to have done great things for the city. This is as symbolic keys, usually exaggerated in size. Or sometimes it is a certificate instead of a key.
How can you become eligible to receive the key?
The recipient of this award had to be someone who had accomplished an act that the city appreciates. This usually means defending the city in battle, or accomplish great things that bring honor to the city. That meant you had to be a visiting official, a member of the military, or some very important person.
Today that is no longer the case. We still present the award to people that accomplish great and honorable things, or to esteemed visitors, residents, or others whom the city wishes to honor. The award is presented to people who are wealthy and famous. People are also awarded for charitable donations. For example, Usher received a key to New Orleans in recognition of his charitable work.
City Mayors also use this award as a publicity stunt to draw attention to the fact that well-known people were born, or live in, their city.
I want my Key to the City!
What can you do if you want to receive the key to your city? Work hard, do great things, and achieve fame. Maybe one day your work will get recognized.
If you can’t wait, then you can always buy your own ceremonial keys.
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