By James Kon & P. Marilyn
The sounds of a 21-cannon salute and the beating of the "Hadrah" marked the opening of the grand celebration to mark His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 60th birthday.
Showing gratitude as well as sending their greetings to His Majesty, thousands converged at the capital yesterday while at the same time, experiencing the ambience of the grandeur in a ceremony that has become part and parcel of the country.
The crowd, comprising locals and tourists, gathered outside Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien to catch a glimpse of the Ceremonial Guard of Honour parade.
Hundreds of schoolchildren in their colourful uniforms, lined up along the way, waving the mini national flags and cheering to welcome the arrival of His Majesty.
His Majesty was accompanied by HRH Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, and HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.
Uniformed personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Police Force participated in the Guard of Honour parade.
A noticeable presence this year was the Women's Company of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces who also took part in the parade.
Cameras were clicking away, capturing majestic moments of the grand event from the beginning until the end.
A showcase of Royal Brunei Air Force helicopters and aircrafts, with 10 helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft sliced through the sky, as His Majesty's loyal subjects looked on, captivated by the colourful emission of smoke, signifying the end of the parade.
- Borneo Bulletin
(16th July 2006)
