US Consul General honoured at Beating Retreat

TUESDAY, JUNE 28: The Band and Corps of Drums of the Bermuda Regiment will join forces with the Pipers, Drummers, and Highland Dancers of the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band to present the second Beating Retreat for this month.

This free public spectacle will take place at the Flag Pole on Front Street on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 and will begin promptly at 9:00 p.m.

The Guest of Honour for the evening will be the United States Consul General to Bermuda, Grace W. Shelton. Ms. Shelton is responsible for coordinating all functions of the United States Government in Bermuda.

Consul General Shelton noted, “I am proud to be the Guest of Honor for the centuries-old Beating of the Retreat Ceremony. I congratulate the Bermuda Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Department of Tourism for sponsoring the stirring, traditional performances by the very talented Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums and the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band. I look forward to an exciting evening.”

The Director of Music, Capt. Dwight Robinson, indicates, “We are grateful for Ms. Shelton agreeing to be the Guest of Honour for the parade, especially near the Independence Day celebrations.”

On the programme for the ceremony will be many of the favourite tunes with which North America visitors and friends will readily identify, including, Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA, Yankee Doodle, and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes.

Capt. Robinson continues, “The Band and Corps of Drums is always particularly pleased to prepare for this series of Beatings of the Retreats as the locals and visitors in the audience are always greatly receptive and appreciative for the selections we programme and the Bands derive great satisfaction at having brought them a degree of joy.”

For their part, the Bermuda Island Pipe Band will showcase the versatility of the Bagpipes. The Highland Dancers will also perform a Scottish Lilt and the Perth Assembly.

The two musical units will work independently and collaboratively to provide the audience with an entertaining and enjoyable close to their day. Ms. Shelton will receive the salute as the Massed Bands march off parade at the end of the evening.

Lieutenant Colonel Gonsalves adds, “The Beating of the Retreats and other musical events are just some of the ways that the Bermuda Regiment supports the Bermudian Community; furthermore all members of the Regimental Band are serving soldiers, and almost all of them are volunteers. During emergencies and embodiments all members of the Band take on further operational roles supporting the Regiment in assisting the needs of the Island. They are Service people that demonstrate professional qualities in their musical and soldiering commitments to the Regiment. We are fortunate to have individuals like these who have chosen to serve the public.”