Regiment On Parade For King’s Birthday

RBR troops and the regiment’s Band & Corps of Drums led a parade from the Cabinet Office in Hamilton to the flagpole.

They were joined by RBR Junior Leaders as well as members of the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps.

Her Excellency the Governor, Rena Lalgie, ceremonially presented nominated personnel from several services with King’s Coronation medals, in recognition of the parts they played in events surrounding the coronation of King Charles III.

Among the recipients today was Corporal Joliza Vanderpool, a full-time member of staff at the RBR.

The 31-year-old said: “When I received my first medal for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I got it right before the parade with everyone else, but it’s a different feeling when it gets handed to you by the Governor, so it’s definitely very exciting.

“I didn’t think that coming into the regiment nine years ago that I would have received my first medal and now my second medal so soon – it’s a great feeling.”

Cpl Vanderpool, who assists the Regimental Career Management Officer, highlighted how soldiers made a choice to be in the RBR and serve Bermuda.

She said: “We like to give back to our community and I think that’s definitely the way, moving forward, as far as bringing up the new generations to want to give back.

“Not even just the regiment – any service on the island would be a great give-back.”

Premier David Burt, Leader of the Opposition Jarion Richardson, fellow parliamentarians and other dignitaries watched today’s proceedings from the flagpole stand.

Soldiers fired the feu de joie, a rolling rifle salute in honour of the occasion, and the Governor led three cheers for His Majesty the King.

RBR troops earnestly prepared for the parade and performed exceptionally well on the day, according to parade commander Major Dwight Robinson.

He said: “It requires concentration, focus and understanding – understanding the reason we’re here, to celebrate the sovereign, and also understanding the significance of each one of their movements.

“When they have that fuller comprehension of the whole sequence in full flow, it allows them to tune in to the correct movement coming next.”

Maj Robinson said troops are often buoyed by a positive atmosphere generated by spectators who turn out to watch.

He added: “When they get that energy and enthusiasm from the crowd, they grow another two inches, their chests get a little wider and the swaggers get a little broader – they definitely enjoy that part of the parade.”

Margaret Giloth, from Sandys, looked on as her son, Lieutenant Scott Brown, took part today.

She said: “I really am proud of what the regiment stands for now – its outreach to young Bermudians and developing them.

“When my son first joined, he was fast-tracked for leadership and it was impressive how they spotted that in him, because I knew he had it.

“I’m so proud of the development he’s enjoyed having been part of the regiment.

“I’m very proud of our young people for doing it. There was a time when people didn’t want to do it, now they’re going in and really benefitting – I think that’s awesome and I fully support.”

• For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm or call 238-1045.