This is one of those true stories that is so odd, it just keeps on making me smile:


https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/news/article/22118/sir-nils-olav-promoted-at-edinburgh-zoo/

I can testify having previously worked there for the best part of 20 years that the Norwegian military and Edinburgh Zoo take these ceremonial duties extremely seriously (as hard as that might be too believe), the zoo closes off the entire Penguin enclosure to visitors while the ceremony takes place, usually lasting several hours meaning the public can view but not get close to the enclosure, as part of the ceremony Sir Nils is escorted by keepers along the route the 'Penguin Parade' usually takes but he is the only one permitted to parade when the Norwegian military is present... there are videos online (YouTube etc) of previous promotions with the Norwegian military (not sure if one has been uploaded for 2023 yet that isn't a short?) but i swear Sir Nils plays to the camera every time!.. if he stops, everyone stops until he's ready to move on, often seemingly inspecting the guard of honour... the Norwegian guard of honour daren't move (i always wonder how they keep a straight face).

That is very cool.

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stephen boots
Microsoft MVP 2004 - 2020
"Life's always an adventure with computers!"

In the absence of finding a video of this years promotion, this one from 2016 pretty much sums up how the ceremony goes (smiling and laughter is permitted here)...

Sir Nils Olav promoted to Brigadier by Norwegian King's Guard
https://youtu.be/Hq-6wUWffkA?si=Jiy6YT9C6GHs6pTH

Some other fun facts:

Sir Nils Olav
https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/animals-and-experiences/sir-nils-olav/

My favourite fact that i didn't actually know (though should have, i knew of the one in Edinburgh but had no idea there was another in Norway) until tonight:

That ceremony is absolutely ridiculous and yet, heartwarming!

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stephen boots
Microsoft MVP 2004 - 2020
"Life's always an adventure with computers!"

It does beggar belief that a military power takes it so seriously doesn't it... that said, it speaks volumes that while the world around us might feel like it's falling apart at times, humanity and our sense of humour won't

While mayhaps not to the same extent the U.S. Navy also does some odd 'traditions'. While I was in the Navy boot camp I carried a drum more than a rifle as I was in what was called a 'special company' that was involved in the ceremony each week for the graduating boot companies. It was a drum and bugle core that was all recruits along with a flag team that was also recruits. Every week we were considered part of the graduating companies which had perks such as a steak dinner every Friday.

With a bit of hind sight they should probably end this recruit practice. The problem was that our focus was all about the next performance instead of really learning what we should. I mean really... I took boot in San Diego and actually left the base to do performances in a Thanksgiving Day parade and to perform a half time show for a college football game. As to the football game, once the half time show was done, we had free access to the stadium. I mean, get real... I'm in boot camp and drinking beers and making out with a pretty hot lady. While it was sort of awesome at the time this just seems wrong on hind sight.

It is just that I never really experienced a true boot camp and that is important as to forming trust in the person next to you when it actually matters.

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Jay, with all the other options available it does seem rather strange to take a recruit out of basic training (boot camp) just to bang a drum or blow a bugle, even if it did include steak, beer, and pretty ladies!

Going somewhat off-topic but sort of on the same topic...

Today (10th Sept) in Edinburgh was the 2023 'The Riding of the Marches'...

Riding the marches in Scotland c.1500-1996
https://era.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/21633
[Don't ask why it says -1996, i don't know, probably because the article has never been updated since publication?]

Anyway, my point is this procession was led by an Edinburgh school pipe band (at least one other equally good school band was involved, i'm a toenail, don't ask lol) and even i have to admit they did a damn good job without the need for an adult pipe band so why would a college football team at thanksgiving need a band from the military when they probably have a perfectly good college band anyway?

George Watson's Pipe Band Leading 2023 Riding of The Marches From Kings Park
https://youtu.be/8hsbbH-S-o0?si=d7QWTPhUUcM0Rxy8

The ceremony when they get to the Mercat Cross (aka Market Cross) can be watched here, but be aware the audio is not the best (though for the most part it is legible if you are able to understand the local dialect) and its the best i've been able to find, it should also be noted the riding has not been fully commercialised by anyone yet (thankfully) so there is no TV coverage or official source... afaict the only video coverage that is available is from those on the ground at the time so all credit goes to them.

Edinburgh - The Riding of The Marches 2023
https://youtu.be/EJbYqtJlnos?si=JDuK6g5WvyulOb1D

As a completely off-topic aside, i cannot get used to some things of this change of monarch, i.e for all my 59 years of life the Queens Park was the Queens Park, this is the first time i've ever seen it referred to as the Kings Park and for some reason i don't like it... i totally get things like HMS changing from Her Majesty's Ship to His Majesty's Ship, but for me that park is and will always be the Queens Park.