| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
COLOURFUL manifestations of love and loyalty towards the monarch and patriotic fervour filled the beautifully decorated capital as people in the thousands turned out to witness the traditional Grand Parade at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, giving a glorious start to the 72nd birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
In a spectacular display of national spirit, hundreds of students from all four districts, who lined up along the main road as early as 6.30am, happily waved mini national flags, supported by the beat of the hadrah drums, as His Majesty and members of the royal family made their way to the Taman.
Upon arrival at the celebration venue, His Majesty was greeted with a 21-gun salute, with the national anthem resonating in the background, marking the opening of the monarch’s 72nd birthday celebrations.
Also gracing the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
His Majesty later inspected the guard of honour mounted by 7,746 personnel of the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Royal Brunei Police Force as well as members of uniformed government departments and associations.
Sounds of cheerful wishes reverberated across the capital as uniformed personnel marched in unison to mark the royal birthday.
The highlight of the Grand Parade was the slow and fast march past drills, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Pengiran Mohammad Shamsul Reza bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Tengah.
The grandiose display of patriotism reached its zenith with the marching personnel’s three chants of Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik that echoed across the Taman, reflecting the patriotic spirit and undivided loyalty of the participants to the monarch.
Concluding the ceremony was the fly-past of a Royal Brunei Armed Forces fleet over the Taman and thousands watched in awe as the aircraft left trails of colourful smoke across the skyline.
Adding significance to the ceremony was the presence of His Majesty’s special guests, state dignitaries, grassroots leaders and other distinguished persons – all wearing traditional costumes representing their rank and status.
The traditional Grand Parade is the beginning of a number of events to enliven His Majesty’s birthday celebrations including the much-awaited get-together and Junjung Ziarah ceremonies with citizens and other residents living in all four districts of the country.