"By the Centre, Quick March!"

With that command the entire Bermuda Regiment and their spanking new Colours moved as one with absolutely breathtaking precision, eclipsing other impressive manoeuvres that occurred earlier in the spectacular Presentation of Colours to the Regiment Saturday at the National Stadium.

The Regiment, always sharp as a tack, was sharper than ever receiving the Colours from the Duchess of Gloucester. She had flown from London especially for the event that traditionally occurs only once every 25 years.

The new Colours after being ceremoniously blessed in a rarely seen Drumhead Service were featured in various routines including a General Salute and a March Past in quick time, were proudly marched-off to the "Chimes of Victory" and "Storm and Sunshine" lustily played by the Regimental Band, all to the sustained applause of hundreds packing the stadium stand.

One retired old soldier sitting in the bleachers commented on what he called a great spectacle.

"It was something the entire community could proudly acclaim," said Major Leslie F. Lowe, E.M.

This was his third Colours Ceremony. The first was November 24, 1965.

Then he was a young soldier in the ranks of the newly formed regiment that came about through amalgamation of the black Bermuda Militia Artillery and the white Bermuda Volunteer Rifles Corp.

Major Lowe's second Presentation event was November, 1990. By then he had become the Regiment's fourth Director of Music, serving in that position from 1986 to 1992. This time around he was a spectator.

"It was well worth it for me to witness this ceremony as a spectator. I viewed it with awe; the proficiency, how well everything was executed from start to finish," said Major Lowe. He was high in his praise of the Band, which performed ably, though comparatively smaller than units seen in other periods.

Also speaking in superlative terms about the ceremony was Retired Major B. St.Vincent Dill, ED, EM, AVCM. He succeeded Major Lowe as Director of Music, serving from 1992 until 2006.

On Saturday, Major Dill ably executed his role as the designated commentator for the event, introducing the dignitaries and scoring aspects of the programme about to take place.

One of the most poignant moments for him was the trooping of the old colours by the Regiment in a slow march, followed by the Colour Guard marching them off for retirement to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.

He said his sentiments on that point were confirmed when his wife Shirley and daughter said it brought a tear to their eyes and others they observed in the stands.