FDM Leader’s Bermuda Day Message
[Bermuda Day message from FDM leader Marc Bean]
On this auspicious occasion of Bermuda Heritage Day, I extend my warmest greetings and salutations to the people of Bermuda as we celebrate this significant annual holiday, which also marks the unofficial start of our long awaited summer season.
Bermuda’s Heritage Day serves as a poignant reminder of the values and principles that unite us as a nation. This year’s theme, “Culture = Energy,” aptly underscores the richness of our cultural heritage, which serves as the cornerstone shaping our national identity. Despite misconceptions suggesting otherwise, Bermuda’s culture is deeply rooted, spanning over the course of centuries, and is uniquely our own. While many traditions have evolved over the years, our core values endure, as evidenced by the annual Bermuda Heritage Day events.
Among these cherished traditions, the half marathon and the Bermuda Heritage Day Parade stand out as quintessential expressions of Bermudian culture and vitality. The parade, featuring beautifully decorated floats, dancers, majorettes, and Gombeys, all representing the vibrant tapestry of our heritage, fills the streets with energy and excitement. These events, alongside family gatherings and most Bermudian’s first dip in the ocean, mark the unofficial onset of summer—a tradition steeped in history since 1979. From dawn till dusk, these celebrations showcase our culture manifesting into vibrant energy through sports, parades, fashion, food, and community camaraderie.
Residing in an environment brimming with creative diversity, where external influences intertwined with our involving interpersonal relationships, underscores the notion that our differences serve as a unifying force, shaping the distinct Bermudian identity. Bermuda Day is a time for reflection on our shared heritage and a celebration of the progress we have achieved together.
As we commemorate this special day, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the ideals of unity, peace, and prosperity for all Bermudians and residents. Let us also embrace The Free Democratic Movement’s motto of exemplifying “Clean Hands and Pure Hearts.” May this public holiday serve as a catalyst for self-discipline, mutual respect and understanding. But most of all a renewed hope for a brighter future.
On behalf of the FDM, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Bermuda on this joyous occasion. May the years ahead represent a renewed commitment of love and respect for ourselves, our families and our neighbors.
For extensive coverage of Bermuda Day spanning over a decade, visit our website BDADay.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Bermuda Day holiday.
- Over 6,000 photos here
- Over 150 videos here
- Holiday graphics here
- History of the race here
- Bermuda Day Timeline here
- Dedicated website: BDADay.com
- 2024 Live Updates here
