Queen's Birthday

This Saturday was the official celebration of the Queen's birthday. We received an invitation from the Governor to sit in the stands at the parade grounds during the governor's iinspection of Her Majesty's Police Force and Her Majesty's Prison Guards. The parade also included the Police Band, cadet corps, and a selection of elementary and secondary students.

Lucas was chosen to march in the parade. He had a three hour rehearsal on Friday. He was thrilled to get to march. Though the parade started at 5:00pm, it was still very hot.

The parade was one of the most impressive things I have seen since I have been here. It was quite unexpected. The pomp and ceremony was what you would expect from a colony. It is for sure a holdover from the nineteenth century empire, but the discipline and ceremony of the spectacle reminded me of the civility inherent in English culture. Though at the very end, the police band struck up an island sounding song and band leader danced. So even in the pomp, there was local flavor. This was the best part of the parade.

Saturday night we were invited to the reception at the Governor's residence. This also served as the goodbye party for H. E. Tauwhare and his wife Amanda, who are leaving the post at the end of July.