Thousands Celebrate 24th National Day
By BT Staff Reporters

Bandar Seri Begawan - Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life congregated at the Taman Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, as the nation marked the 24th National Day celebration with the annual march past and mass gathering in pomp and splendour yesterday.

The streets of Bandar Seri Begawan had already begun filling up with crowds as early as 6am, as the Royal Brunei Police Force closed roads leading to the capital by 6.30am.

All roads leading to the Taman Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien were a seemingly endless line of smiles, giggles and enlivened by vigourous flag waving as students in their school uniforms braved the morning sun and braced for the possibility of rain to show their enthusiastic support in making the 24th National Day celebrations a success.

Children were more than happy to see His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam ride past them once on his way to the venue and again after leaving the venue.

Their perseverance and enthusiasm as the the nation's most valuable assets reflected the 24th National Day theme, Tunas Bangsa.

As with previous celebrations, the arrival of His Majesty and the royal entourage was preceded by the hadrah ensemble of participating schools, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

The royal entourage comprised His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, His

Royal Highness Prince Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

Also present were state dignitaries, cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats and other invited guests.

Brunei citizens and residents, foreign workers and tourists could be seen standing watching from the sidewalks as the National Day parade, in which over 15,000 from uniformed groups, government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, schools and community groups, marched past as the choir sang patriotic songs.

Hj Mahathir Hj Mokhtar, an education officer at the Ministry of Education's Co-Curriculum Department, then led the recital of the National Day Pledge at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien as the royal entourage and top government officials looked on from the grandstands.

Hard work from weeks of rehearsals paid off for over 7,700 participants in yesterday's fluid and synchronised choreography, that was well-received by over 15,000 spectators and invited guests.

Multi-coloured fans, umbrellas and pom poms were used as props to execute the field performance against the backdrop of a decorated board displaying the logo and theme of this year's National Day joy.

Pattern segments illustrating fertile soil, a wholesome seed and a capital letter ‘T’ were created by the students during the performance, designed to represent this year's national day theme.

Other pattern segments included the formation of the national flower, simpur, much to the delight of the crowd.

The celebrations were on this year's theme — ‘Tunas Bangsa’ — signififying how nature and people, especially youths, need to be nurtured so as to contribute to the nation's development. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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