<P> In some countries , such as the United States , an ornamental key -- the `` key to the city '' -- is presented to esteemed visitors , residents , or others whom the city wishes to honour . This practice is a variation on the freedom of the city tradition , and has a similar symbolic meaning ; evoking medieval walled cities , the gates of which would be guarded during the day and locked at night , the key symbolises the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will , as a trusted friend of city residents . </P>
what does getting the key to the city mean
symbolises the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will , as a trusted friend of city residents