By Rosli Abidin Yahya
The hoisting of the national flag marking the commencement of His Majesty's 59th Birthday celebration nationwide was held yesterday morning at the open courtyard of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Fountain, fronting the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.
Meant to evoke the nationalistic and patriotic spirit of the people as well as their loyalty to the Sultan and country, the hoisting of the large flag was witnessed by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Paduka Hj Adanan, the chairman of the organising committee for His Majesty's 59th Birthday celebration and other committee members.
The ceremony commenced with 59 officers and personnel of Fire Services Department and Prisons Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs each carrying a pole of the national flag.
Some 20 soldiers from the Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Armed Forces brought the gigantic national flag measuring 24 feet by 12 feet which was hoisted onto a flag pole standing at 100 feet high.
The gigantic flag was hoisted slowly in synchronisation with the tune of the national anthem being sung by choir groups of Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka Brunei and students.
At the ceremony, Pehin Dato Paduka Hj Adanan handed national flags to the four district officers for various flag-hoisting ceremonies in their respective districts.
The gigantic national flag-hoisting ceremony also marked the commencement of raising the national flag for members of the public nationwide from yesterday until July 31 in conjunction with the Sultan's 59th birthday celebration.
Pengirans and those who have been bestowed with titles are requested to fly their private flags.
It is reminded that a hoisted flag must adhere to the stipulated rules and methods, and in good condition and colours which must be taken down on July 31.
Brunei Darussalam started to have its own flag after the signing of the Brunei-Great Britain Friendship Accord in 1906. The three colours - yellow, white and black - reflect the involvement of three main dignitaries in the signing of the accord. After the announcement of the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam in 1959, the red colour symbolising the government was included in the middle of the national flag.
- Borneo Bulletin
(2nd July 2005)
