The normally solemn Remembrance Day parade turned into a heroes' welcome for the victorious PLP Government.

Thousands of people packed the streets around and in the Senate gardens yesterday morning -- turning the venue into an impromptu post-election celebration for the new Cabinet.

It seemed difficult for the exuberant crowds, many times larger than normal, to contain their joy -- even during what should have been the most sombre parts of the ceremony.

Even before the parade had started, excited crowds greeted the arriving PLP MPs with cheers and applause.

But they saved the loudest acclaim for new Premier Jennifer Smith when she pulled up in the official car.

The scene was akin to a walkabout by a member of the Royal Family with the public unable to suppress their emotions at the first PLP Government ever.

Later, new Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson summed up his feelings at the adoration.

"The Queen never got this sort of reception. They brought out schoolchildren for the Queen, but this is all spontaneous.

"This is a momentous occasion in our history, it is like Emancipation Day,'' he said.

Shortly before 11 a.m., the Bermuda Regiment, the Regiment Band, Cadets, Bermuda Sea Cadets Corps, Police, Boys Brigade, Fire Service, Salvation Army Band and Atlantic Watch Pipe Band marched to the Senate Gardens.

They formed a guard of honour as the politicians and dignitaries walked down to the Cenotaph. There was more applause from the huge crowds on Front Street as Jennifer Smith and her Cabinet took up their positions alongside the memorial.

The North Village and Somerset Brigade bands led the veterans in parade to the Cenotaph, where they were inspected by Governor Thorold Masefield.

Also present were representatives of the war veterans, including President of the War Veterans Frank Farmer, and Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer Lt.

Col. Patrick Outerbridge.

The two minutes silence was marked by the firing of a gun, which startled many of the already excitable crowd and ruined any chance of hush during the traditional mark of respect.

Wreaths were then laid by dignitaries, including Premier Smith and Grant Gibbons, standing in for Pamela Gordon, who is off the Island, war veterans and members of the public.

POLITICS PTL