The Royal Bermuda Regiment launched its 60th anniversary celebrations at Warwick Camp over the weekend.

Serving and former soldiers took a trip through the decades on Saturday night at the event which marked the first in a series that will unfold over the coming months to mark the battalion’s enduring service to the island since its establishment on September 1, 1965.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, and David Burt, the Premier, attended the evening of fellowship and recognition.

Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, the regiment’s Commanding Officer, said: “Our 60th anniversary year is a year of opportunity.

“Not only is this year an opportunity to draw attention to the regiment as we celebrate this milestone, but it also presents an opportunity for the National Security and Defence Review, which will soon commence.”

He expressed hope that the event brought greater clarity around Bermuda’s defence requirements on land and its waters and that it removed “existing barriers” so that the RBR can deliver the “most appropriate and efficient capability possible”, while being well-resourced.

“It is also my hope that this exercise will chart our course for the next decade so that the service we provide to Bermuda grows stronger and becomes more attractive to volunteers, and that our regiment, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, is increasingly valued by our people,” he added.

Other speakers at the event shared their reflections on different decades of the battalion’s existence.

Retired Major Leslie Lowe took guests back to the 1960s, telling them: “In 1965, two proud units — the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Rifles — were amalgamated to form a single, united force — the Bermuda Regiment.

“This was more than an administrative change, it was the start of a new identity blending traditions, skills and camaraderie into one body of service.”

He added: “The 1960s were also a time when Bermuda, like much of the world, was experiencing social change.

“The regiment stood as a symbol of discipline, teamwork and shared purpose, welcoming members from all walks of life and providing a model of co-operation in a changing society.

“By the end of the decade, the regiment had already established its reputation for professionalism at home and abroad.

“Those early years laid the foundation for everything we celebrate today — 60 years of honour, readiness and service to Bermuda.”

Retired Major Barrett St Vincent Dill told attendees that the 1980s was a decade of “growth, discipline and international engagement” for the battalion.

He said: “We were, at that time, a fraternity, consisting of both conscripts and volunteers with long-lasting friendships, brotherhoods, commitments to common goals and aspirations united by the three Cs: conviction, commitment and courage.

“In keeping with future aspirations and ambitions, in 1981 we evolved from a fraternity to an all-inclusive organisation, welcoming women into the regiment for the very first time, giving a further strength to the battalion.”

Major Dill added: “The ‘80s proved that the regiment was not just built to endure, it was built to excel, rivalling any uniformed services on the planet.”

Reflecting on the 2000s, retired Major Marc Telemaque, who spoke on the 2000s, said that the 21st century brought tremendous change.

He added: “Seeing the faces that are here this evening, it is clear that we are an enduring organisation, an organisation that engendered a level of pride and camaraderie that is unrivalled throughout this community.”

Guests were encouraged to participate in a legacy box project, whereby messages written by RBR members past and present will be sealed in a time capsule to be opened years from now.

Major Kenneth Wainwright, the regiment’s Quartermaster, introduced the committee of RBR members that will co-ordinate a year of events to celebrate the battalion’s 60th anniversary, which will include a presentation of new regimental colours next month.

• For more information, visitrbr.bm

• UDPATE: this article has been updated with additional comments from speakers