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Bermuda Remembrance Day
This is the day when all the war veterans, dead or alive, who fought the World Wars and the Korean war for Bermuda are remembered and honored.
While there are ever decreasing number of surviving war veterans (183 registered as living in 2008 November), many died overseas and locally while fighting for Bermuda during the wars.
So what happens on the Bermuda Remembrance Day? There is a parade held at the Front Street of Hamilton City. The surviving war veterans are invited to join this parade along with the descendants of those who are not alive. Bermuda regiment Band also participates in the parade.
Bermuda Remembrance Day - War Veterans
They all walk down the Front Street and reach the Cenotaph, a monument where the wreaths are laid by the Governor of Bermuda, the Premier, the Mayor of Hamilton and other dignitaries.
There are large number of people, both local and visitors who join the Remembrance Day Ceremony. There is also two-minute silence held to commemorate the end of World War.
Bermuda Remembrance Day
So why is Bermuda Remembrance Day held on 11th November? It is always held on the 11th Day of the 11th Month of the year. And precisely at 11 am, gun fire takes place at Fort Hamilton and Ordnance Island in St. George to signal the start of two-minute silence. This is the time when the official end of World War-I became effective, and hence such timing of the event.
There is also a Remembrance Day Parade held in St. George to pay tribute to the war heroes. It is held at the Town Square and opposite the war memorial. It is attended by the Mayor and other dignitaries. Many units like the Bermuda Pipe Band, Fire Service, Boy Scouts join the parade.
Update 2011: There is a new war memorial nearby that was completed in December 2010. Names of those who served Bermuda during the wars are inscribed on it with gold. After the Remembrance Day ceremony is completed, you will see war veterans and families gather at the memorial looking at the roster of names. Some find their own names, others look for those they know of.
Update 2012: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Regiment Gun Troop, the Cadet Corps and the Sea Cadets participated in the remembrance day parade this year. Bermuda Islands Pipe played the bagpipes. Hundreds of islanders, both young and old, gathered to watch the parade and pay tribute to the war veterans. Governor George Fergusson inspected and met with the war veterans.
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