Thousands lined the streets of Hamilton and gathered outside the Cabinet Office to experience the annual Throne Speech ceremony -- with this year's event made especially memorable because of the first PLP Government.

Hundreds of students braved early-morning raindrops to secure prime locations for catching glimpses of Governor Thorold Masefield, Premier Jennifer Smith, Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon, the Bermuda Regiment, and various MPs and Government Ministers.

Political analyst and Bermuda College professor Walton Brown was on hand to witness the event, and spoke with The Royal Gazette shortly before the Governor's entrance by horse and carriage.

"This is a day which sees the Progressive Labour Party Government presenting its legislative vision for Bermuda to the people,'' he said.

"But more importantly, it's a profoundly symbolic event -- quite a moving event -- that warmed the hearts of so many people.'' Twenty-three-year-old student Ernest Thomas, who attended the event with Mr.

Brown, stated: "It's definitely a very good turnout for something of a political nature -- I've seen some people bringing children as young as two or three.

"I guess they definitely see it (a PLP Government) as something positive for their children's future.'' Terry Smith, a partner at The Gearbox shop, said the day's events were a result of great perseverance by the PLP.

He stated: "It's an exciting, historic time and people are feeling like it's a new awakening.

"It's a whole new change for Bermudians and will perhaps get Bermudians to take a more positive role in their community,'' he added.

"It's bridging the generation gap -- if you look around, you see both young and old and they're all feeling the same thing.

"For the first time, Bermudians feel like it's a Government for the people, and it's been a long time coming.'' A pair of CedarBridge students, Zane Hendrickson and Robert Evans, said they were glad the PLP won the election and hoped for big changes -- especially in the job market and extending concert cut-off times.

Janie Robinson, a teacher at CedarBridge Academy and a native of Ontario, said she wanted her students to experience the historic event.

It seems there was a fair number of Canadian tourists at the ceremony -- most of whom were unaware of the local significance of the day until after they arrived on Island.

Ray Letheren, a visitor from a town near London, Ontario said he watched the Beating of the Retreat ceremony on Wednesday as well.

Thousands take part in big day "It's fascinating for us because it's so close to our Parliamentary process -- the same sort of pomp and circumstance is all part of our lifestyle, too.

"It's nice to see the close alignment with Bermuda and the British Commonwealth and the affection for the Crown, with the Union Jacks flying everywhere,'' he added.

Al James, a visitor from Barrie, Ontario, said he thought the event was "terrific''.

"I think this leaves us with a better understanding of what was going on on November 9th,'' he added.

Steven Daniels, a teacher at Francis Patton, said he was "very excited'' about the new PLP Government.

"The UBP always felt like no one else could rule and this gives the PLP the opportunity to prove them wrong -- to prove that they are quite capable of running the Government.

"Now, all parties should work together for the betterment of the country.'' And a handful of Francis Patton Primary Six students had plenty to say about the significant event.

Wilfred Outerbridge, ten years old, stated: "My team, the PLP, won and it's fun looking at it.'' "I think the PLP has a good chance to win next year...I don't like the UBP because more people overseas might get more jobs than Bermudians in Bermuda.'' Ten-year-old Jana Outerbridge said she was happy the PLP was elected because "it's history''.

"The UBP are always trying to diss people, and the PLP is not trying to put anyone down.'' And Tiyonna Smith said "(The ceremony) is interesting but my teacher makes it sound boring''.

When asked what she found interesting about the ceremony, Ms Smith simply responded: "PLP's the best'' before scampering off.

The final words for the day were, appropriately enough, uttered by PLP co-founders Arnold Francis, who stated: "It's a memorable day for Bermuda, and a new Government has to carry Bermuda into a new millennium as a mature and viable two-party democracy.'' However, all else was relegated to a backburner when a flurry of activity and squeals from the gathered school children marked the appearance of Premier Jennifer Smith -- who seemed, once again, to be the star of the day.