Photos & Video: RBR’s Trooping Of The Colours
[Updated] The Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Trooping of the Colours is taking place today in Dockyard. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.
Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the 2-hour replay is below:
Update 4.25pm: A spokesperson said, “An occasion of deep significance for the island’s soldiers took place today when the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] held a Trooping of the Colours and Drumhead Service in front of hundreds of people.
“The battalion welcomed its Colonel-in-Chief, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester, as its guest of honour at the spectacular ceremony, which celebrated the RBR’s 60th anniversary.
“Dozens of soldiers formed three guards at the Keep in Dockyard, where a 21-gun salute marked the prestige of an event that combined history and tradition with a look to the future.
“Her Royal Highness was given a Royal salute before she carried out an inspection of the ranks.
“The Colours were then trooped among rank-and-file soldiers by a Colour Party that comprised Captain Andrew Burnett-Herkes, Captain Andrew Wallace, Warrant Officer Class 2 Shaun Williams, Colour Sergeant Curtis Grant and Colour Sergeant Jason Smith.
“Colours – decorated flags and banners that once denoted rallying points for soldiers in battle – have long been used by military units as powerful emblems of pride, duty and unity.
“They are a treasured part of RBR history, carrying the traditions of the Regiment’s two predecessor units – the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps and the Bermuda Militia Artillery.
“By trooping Colours among the ranks, soldiers have an opportunity to recognise and honour their battalion and those who have served before them.
“A drumhead service – a religious service carried out in the field – was then led by the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, Anglican Bishop of Bermuda.
“Her Royal Highness delivered a message from His Majesty King Charles III, who told the battalion: ‘You have shown over the course of the last 60 years how incredibly versatile and adaptable you are.’
“In her own remarks, Her Royal Highness added that the impact of the RBR on the lives of many Bermudians was ‘considerable’.”
She said: “As we look forward to the future, I have every confidence that you will continue to embrace change, rise to new challenges and provide a service of which all Bermuda can be truly proud.”
The spokesperson said, “Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons, the RBR’s Commanding Officer, shared how more than 25 years of service has shown him that fulfilling public duty often brings unexpected rewards, including ‘experience, connections, life-long friendships, a sense of belonging and purpose, and often a new beginning’.
“As we begin our next decade, the upcoming national security and defence review is an opportunity to examine what we do and how we do it,” Lt Col Simons said.
“We have the opportunity to redouble our engagement with young people, and finally, twice a year, your regiment presents the opportunity for a new generation to join us – to serve, to lead, to grow through a career of military service.
“For those who rise to the challenge, I promise you will be rewarded in ways you would not imagine. And for your service, you and all Bermuda will be rewarded. And to those that have served over these 60 years, thank you.”
The spokesperson said, “Her Royal Highness and His Excellency the Governor, who is Commander-in-Chief of the RBR, presented Operational Service Medals to a number of soldiers who have completed at least 30 days of embodiment in service to Bermuda. This was the first presentation of these newly issued medals.
“They also took time to greet youth groups such as the RBR’s Junior Leaders, Sea Cadets, Cubs and Scouts, Brownies and Girl Guides, and Bermuda Boys’ Brigade.
“The RBR’s Band and Corps of Drums, led by Band Officer Captain Sheldon Fox, provided musical accompaniments throughout.”
His Excellency the Governor said later: “It is an honour to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Bermuda Regiment as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
“Being part of the Regiment builds a sense of purpose and camaraderie, and creates lifelong bonds amongst its ranks. Those that marched today, as well as those who marched before them are rightly recognised for their valued contribution to Bermuda and her people, and we look forward to welcoming future generations of soldiers, who will bring their own sense of loyalty, discipline and respect.
“It was a pleasure to host Her Royal Highness at this significant event and, on behalf of everyone at Government House, I extend our gratitude to former and serving soldiers for their service.”
The spokesperson said, “Operational Service Medals will be presented by Her Royal Highness to the remainder of eligible soldiers when she visits Warwick Camp tomorrow.
“The visit will also allow HRH to tour the camp and participate in the burial of a time capsule.
“Serving and former soldiers have been invited to share their wisdom, hopes and encouragement on notecards, which will be placed alongside mementoes in a legacy box to be unearthed by future members of the battalion.”
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I thank current and past members for Public Service in the Bermuda Regiment.
The GDP at 5 %., should be the budget for the Regiment, this budget expenditure could be used for benefits/incentives such as; House Finance Trade and University school scholarships (Why not direct money to those invested in Bermuda after Regiment Service vs students that bye pass or show little interest in Public Service) sports and health programs.
To budget – look at expenses that are non essential and waste; ask tough questions, How many MP s do we need to Govern an Island of 65 K ?
Respectfully