Families of veterans gathered to witness the official unveiling of the War Memorial in honour of nearly 3,000 men and women who served in the military for their country.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Premier Paula Cox and Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess were in attendance yesterday as prayers of remembrance were read and hymns played by the Bermuda Regiment and its Band and Corps of Drums.

Dignitaries joined with widow Lillian Levon, whose late husband Joseph served in both world wars, and veteran George Fisher to lay wreaths at the site of the new memorial.

Sir Richard said he felt genuinely honoured to be a part of the “very special” dedication ceremony.

He congratulated Public Works Minister Mr Burgess, whose team was behind the project, and said it was a “fine tribute to those nearly 3,000 Bermudians that were ready to make the final sacrifice and some of whom did”.

Politicians were dressed in black for the occasion, while Ms Cox stood out in a black and white checkered skirt and crystal studded headpiece. The Premier said: “Why are we here? We are here to remember, we are here to show respect, we are here to recognise the sacrifices of those whose names are emblazoned behind me on this beautiful memorial. Duty. honour, courage, country, commitment (and) conviction.

“When you heard that first reading I heard there is no greater sacrifice than to lay down one’s life and love one another.

“As we look at the masterpiece Minister Burgess brought to fruition as we move our hands down the names (of the men and women that fought for our country) let us remember the important part of love for a man and woman for their country and let us make sure we do all we can to foster love for country and community especially in this season of good will.”

Benjamin Beasley, one of two Bermudians currently serving in the Royal Air Force, attended the ceremony and said it was a great privileged to honour those who lost their lives in past wars, including his grandfather.

“It’s quite humbling to see my grandfather’s name. He is just one person amongst many, and as the Governor said it is humbling. I’m not a veteran, but when I hear about people that have lost their lives in the world wars, I think of my friends that have died or those that are currently serving in operations in Afghanistan.”

Mr Beasley, 30, a training officer with the RAF Leuchars, is currently tasked with protecting the UK air space in Eastern Scotland.

The War Memorial came to fruition with the help of Carol Everson, the welfare case worker for the Royal British Legion, who launched an Island-wide campaign to find and include every veteran’s name in the memorial.

Government felt exisiting memorial sites did not include everyone and in the past black veterans who served in Bermuda’s military units generally received far less recognition than their white counterparts, said a Government spokeswoman.

In addition Goverment amended the Pensions and Gratuities (War Sevice) Act 1947 allowing black veterans and their widows to get benefits, including free hospital treatment, respite and palliative care, a monthly pension and a funeral grant.

It is hoped the new War Memorial will feature prominently in future Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Front Street, added the spokeswoman.