Upcoming: St George’s Beating Of The Retreat

Next Wednesday [July 6] will see a continuation of the July 4 celebrations with the Beating of the Retreat in St. George’s on King’s Square. The Ceremony will begin at 9:00 p.m.

The Chief Fire Officer for the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Vincent Hollinsid will be the Guest of Honour, and will take the salute as the Massed Bands march off parade.

On the programme for the ceremony will be many of the favourite tunes North America visitors and friends will recognize and with which they can identify—Hoagy Carmichael’s Georgia on My Mind, made famous by the late Ray Charles, National Emblem, and Semper Fidelis, the motto (Always Faithful) and official march of the United States Marine Corps.

Capt. Robinson notes, “St. George provides a cosy environment for this parade. The Beatings of the Retreats at this time of year are particularly popular as the locals and visitors in the audience readily identify the selections we programme.”

The Bermuda Island Pipe Band will showcase the versatility of the Bagpipes with a few Stephen Foster tunes while the Highland Dancers will perform a Scottish Lilt and the Perth Assembly.

Both Bands will play individual sets and combined pieces. The evening hymn, “Last of the Great Whales,” pays homage to these majestic creatures of the deep. Incorporated in the tune are a few strains of “Last Post”— commentary to their plight at the hands of merciless men.

Lieutenant Colonel Gonsalves adds, “The Beating of the Retreats and other musical events are just some of the ways that the Bermuda Regiment supports the Bermudian Community; furthermore all members of the Regimental Band are serving soldiers, and almost all of them are volunteers. During emergencies and embodiments all members of the Band take on further operational roles supporting the Regiment in assisting the needs of the Island. They are Service people that demonstrate professional qualities in their musical and soldiering commitments to the Regiment. We are fortunate to have individuals like these who have chosen to serve the public.”

#MilitaryAndRegiment #StGeorges

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