When Bermuda Day was first envisioned in the wake of the 1977 Riots and the Pitt Commission that followed, it was seen as a way of bringing Bermuda together and helping to end the racial divisions that lay at the heart of the disturbances. Clearly, one day and the events surrounding it during Heritage Month cannot solve all of the problems of the Island. But, some 25 years after Bermuda Day replaced ?the Queen?s Birthday? on May 24, it has succeeded, perhaps beyond all expectations.

Certainly, this Heritage Month and this Bermuda Day were going to be more important than usual since this year has been designated as the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Island, but even without the Quincentennial ? and this is an anniversary that has failed to generate enormous enthusiasm ? yesterday?s Marathon Derby and parade were likely to be memorable. First, Terrance Armstrong established himself as the man to be beat in the Derby as he captured the title ? the most prestigious in local racing ? for the second consecutive year. Beyond that, ?the marathon? remains one of the great participatory sporting events of the year, drawing a wide range of talents from every race and background who now not only run but walk, ride and skate from Somerset to the National Sports Centre. Even more importantly, they get support from thousands of people along the race route, making this a true community event, and generating an atmosphere that the many other international sporting events on the Island, even when they draw stars from around the world, cannot hope to match. But it is matched by the Parade now. For many years, the Parade could not be seen as a Bermudian event, mainly because of the refusal of many white Bermudians to participate, or even to attend, seemingly preferring the tradition of fitted dinghy racing or the appeal of the beach or water. That now seems to be changing, both in terms of participation and attendance. That?s all to the good and, all in all, the Parade now reflects Bermuda?s diversity very well. Two aspects of this year?s parade were particularly welcome. One was the participation of schools with the theme of old Bermuda games ? notably go-karts, all of them beautifully adorned with traditional floral decorations. The other spectacular highlight was the school and college marching bands brought to the Island for Drumline, which Community and Sport Minister Dale Butler hopes to make an annual event. Based on the reaction of the crowd at the National Sports Centre on Saturday and on Front Street yesterday, he should have no difficulty. What?s needed now is for a Bermudian marching band to evolve from the rich tradition of Bermuda brass bands to give the American tradition a run for its money. Bermuda still suffers from divisions, but it should be clear to anyone who attended yesterday?s events that we have much more in common that we have differences. While there should always be healthy debate about Bermuda?s direction, it is worth remembering that on this small, isolated Island, we will all rise or sink together.