Videos: East End Beating Retreat Ceremony
Last night [July 6] the Bermuda Regiment’s colourful Beating Retreat ceremony was held in St. George’s on King’s Square.
The military ceremony dates back to 16th century England and was first used to recall nearby patrolling units to their castle. It is now practiced by military units throughout the British Commonwealth.
Chief Fire Officer for the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Vincent Hollinsid was guest of honour and took the salute as the Massed Bands participating in the event marched off parade.
On the programme for the ceremony were tunes including Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia on My Mind”, made famous by the late Ray Charles, “National Emblem”, “Last of the Great Whales” and “Semper Fidelis”, the official march of the United States Marine Corps.
Joining the Regiment Band were the Bermuda Island Pipe Band and the Highland Dancers.
Before the parade, Regiment commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Brian Gonsalves said, “Beating Retreat 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.”
I counted 87 people. 93% were white and local when you zoom in.
My God, reality is setting in.
Were doomed.
Please elaborate on your remarks. I cannot comprehend the point you are trying to make.
Well if you can’t, I can’t help you.
Thanks for the constructive dialogue. Now go f*ck yourself.
Well maybe black bermudians are not interested in this anymore, or they are too busy trying to find work, or doing laundry, or too scared to leave their homes in fear they will be shot or burlarized…I could think of a number of things but to tie this to Race? People have choices…period.
Miss BDA !!!! Thank you bernews for updates on events!
I’m sure those that did attend enjoyed the event !!!!
I think he was referring to the lack of tourists……..
I blame it on poor planning because it was foolish to host it the same night as harbour nights in hamilton.
…one could say. I’ve been going to the retreats in St. George for years and the numbers have really only fallen off since the lack of regular cruise ships in the old town and since the overall tourism numbers have dwindled. It has always been on the same nights a Harbour Nights (one could argue that Harbour Nights are held on the same nights as retreats, but I digress) and yet that was never a factor.
Methinks it goes beyond the conflict of Harbour Nights. The greater portion of the audience was always the visitors and so no people in the town (read Bermuda) equals no audience. Simple.
The Retreats in St. George’s were usaully held on Tuesdays as to not conflict with Harbour Nights but @Prophet, you are right the main audience was always the tourist from the ships.