Capital comes alive to celebrate His Majesty’s 78th birthday

Brunei Darussalam celebrated the 78th birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with some 1,247 uniformed personnel marching in the ceremonial Royal Guard of Honour parade at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

The customary procession consisted of personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) as well as government and non-governmental organisations.

Image: Iqbal Dato Selamat

Prior to the march-past, His Majesty and members of the Royal Family were greeted with a line-up of over 6,000 enthusiastic students waving the mini national flags along the main procession route accompanied by the harmonious beats of the hadrah.

The Sultan was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

Upon His Majesty’s arrival at the royal dais, a 21-cannon gun salute was fired by the RBAF personnel as the national anthem echoed across the field in the background while the crowd fell in silence, displaying respect for the benevolent ruler.

The Sultan then inspected the participating contingents in the parade comprising personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force and Royal Brunei Police Force.

Also joining in the field were uniformed civil servants from Royal Customs and Excise Department, Prisons Department, National Registration and Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Aviation Fire Services Department, RBAF Army Cadet, Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Association, PBD Cadet, Brunei Scout Association, Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam, Fire and Rescue Cadet and the National Service Programme.

During the inspection, three songs were played by the RBAF and RBPF bands namely; Pewiraku, The Supreme Commander’s March and Kesetiaan Pada Negara.

This was then followed by the slow and fast paced march accompanied by the numbers Scipio, My Home, Duke of York, Sumpah Tanda Setia, The Voice of the Gun, Happy Birthday, Gibraltar March, Tekad Setia and Dirgahayu.

Donning the best looks in their neat uniforms, the contingents proceeded to do their synchronised formations and march past for a royal salute before the Sultan.

After making their smooth routine, the uniformed personnel reassembled at the field and chanted a powerful “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik” three times, displaying loyalty and respect to His Majesty the Sultan.

The auspicious event concluded with the amazing fly past by officers and personnel of Royal Brunei Air Force on board seven Blackhawk choppers and two C295MW aircraft, marking the end of the parade.

Image: Iqbal Dato Selamat

THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

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