Royal Bermuda Regiment Leads Community in Honoring Fallen Heroes at Annual Remembrance Day Parade Hundreds of people looked on as members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment took their places today to commemorate those who fell in the two world wars and other campaigns of the Allied Forces.
Soldiers were led in the Remembrance Day parade by the RBR’s Band and Corps of
Drums alongside musicians from other island ensembles. They were joined by veterans as well as members of the Regiment’s Junior Leaders,
the Royal Bermuda Regiment Association, the Bermuda Police Service and the Bermuda Sea Cadets.
Troops made their way towards the Cenotaph where wreaths were laid by dignitaries,
including Rena Lalgie, the Governor and RBR Commander-in-Chief; David Burt, the
Premier; and Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, the Regiment’s Commanding Officer.
Captain Travis Stevens, who served as Parade Commander, described today’s event
as “phenomenal”.
He said: “The troops and representatives marching from the different organisations
were prepared, professional and punctual.
“Everybody was ready to go, everybody was excited and the weather helped.
“The band is our heartbeat and it’s always an honour to march with its members.”
The 36-year-old, who in civilian life is vice-president, cyber and technology liability at
Allied World, added: “I encourage the troops to remember not only why they serve but
why the troops that served before them did so.
“The beautiful thing about service is that it unites us, everybody puts on this uniform and
becomes equal.”
Capt Stevens, from St David’s, who in the Regiment is Officer Commanding, B
Company, said the public turned out “in force” to see the parade. He explained: “When people come out to watch, they get excited, they get curious and it opens up the dialogue for them to maybe embrace ways to serve.
“We are only as strong as our numbers and anything that we can do to enhance
recruiting or eliminate the barriers to entry for service is really positive. What helps is
that the unit has evolved in the past number of decades. We are no longer a battalion
that simply does infantry work, we have something for everybody.”
Corporal Melissa Brangman, 33, today was a member of the RBR catafalque party – a
guard around the Cenotaph. She said: “It was an honour to be able to be on parade and remember those that fought – many of whom lost their lives – in order for us to be where we are today as a people.
“I also take pride in giving back to my community with my service, which is why I
continue and will continue to serve.”
Private Andrea Warren, a personal trainer and part-time member of the RBR Coast
Guard, joined troops on parade for the first time in several years and enjoyed the
opportunity to march alongside soldiers she works with less often.
The 38-year-old, from Pembroke, said: “It’s always an honour to represent your country
and honour those who made the sacrifice.”
She added: “You just want to represent as best you can.” Among the spectators was Teionnea Burgess, 32, who attended the remembrance
parade with her one-year-old son Makaio.
The corporate wellness co-ordinator, from Pembroke, said: “I’ve never experienced it
but, now that I have a child, I’m more open to attending these kinds of events, so that
he’s exposed to the Bermuda culture.
“He loves music and drums, so I wanted him to see the band.”
Dean Bottomley, a retired Chief Petty Officer with the US Navy, also watched the
parade and noted that it is important to recognise people who have served in the past
but also to support those in service now.
He said: “They’re carrying on a legacy and a heritage of service to their nation, service to their country in the defence of freedom.”
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