Lyna Mohamad
The humid weather turning to scorching hot temperature later in the afternoon did not deter the public spirit as large crowds from all walks of life, made their way to the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Base in Kampong Rimba to join in the 62nd Anniversary celebration of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) hosted by the RBAirF yesterday.
Some who came as early as 6am comprised family members of military personnel and fans mostly children, aspiring to become a soldier, to show their military spirit.
People took photos showcasing them being part of the celebration, while viewing up close on military items and vehicles.
Visitor Muhd Salleh bin Abdullah @ Ibrahim, a retired soldier who served from 1974 to 1994, who was with his wife and two grandchildren, said he felt excited and happy with the opportunity to bring family members to celebrate a very special day.
He said, “It is an appropriate time for us as a family, especially for former soldiers to come here while meeting friends and reminiscing our past military life and catching up with each other.”
He was happy to see his grandchildren’s excitement as they were able to get up close with military equipment. He is eager to bring his family member every year to celebrate the RBAF’s anniversary, no matter which force is hosting the celebration.
Meanwhile, sharing his view on the celebration, a Pakistani, Nauman Anjum, 30, expressed excitement on being given the opportunity to see the military exhibition more closely. Nauman, a mechanical engineer at Brunei Fertilizer Industries Sdn Bhd (BFI) took advantage of the public holiday to take his wife and daughter to the celebration for the first time.
“It was quite a good event and we got to meet many friendly people, including the army personnel who gave a demonstration during the exhibition, which was interesting and interactive, I was more keen on taking photos of military equipment and vehicles which are on display,” he said.
His daughter was fascinated with the helicopters and military vehicles and they are looking forward to more exciting experiences next year.
