The annual Remembrance Day Parade was cancelled due to yesterday's rain, however hundreds gathered in Hamilton to pay tribute to those who died for their country.

A 'Service of Remembrance' saw the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity filled with persons eager to pay their respect to those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

Among those present were Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Premier Ewart Brown, United Bermuda Party Leader Kim Swan and several veterans.

The crowd joined in singing hymns, and a two-minute silence done every year on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month commemorated the end of the First Word War.

At the ceremony's close, the veterans received a round of applause as they left the Cathedral and walked to the Cenotaph on Front Street, for a wreath-laying ceremony.

Sir Richard, Dr. Brown, Mr. Swan and Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling each laid a wreath in front of Cabinet before a crowd of spectators.

Lillian Levon then laid a wreath for the Bermuda Militia Infantry and Calvin Ming Sr. for the First Battalion of the Caribbean Regiment's Bermuda Contingent. Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid and the Commissioner of Police George Jackson also laid wreaths.

Peter Darling, who served in the Royal Marines for 27 years. said the service was nicely done, but he wished the weather had allowed the parade.

"It's always better when it's out in the open," the 84-year-old said. "The sound of a bugle indoors isn't the same as the one in the air."

Despite the weather, Mr. Darling said he was pleased by the turnout.

"I enjoyed meeting all the people," he said. "After the ceremony I went to a luncheon in the hall in the back of the church. The entire room was filled with people."