It may have been two weeks too late, but Bermuda's Second World War veterans yesterday got their chance to observe the 50th anniversary of the Victory in Europe.

Amid a light drizzle, twenty two members of the local forces were honoured during a two-hour "Patriotic Service,'' at the New Testament Church of God in Hamilton.

"I had a thought that it would be good to honour the men and women in our congregation who served in the Bermuda Militia Artillery, the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps and the Bermuda Regiment,'' Sgt. Maj. Chauncey Durham explained. "And with this being the 50th anniversary of the end of World War Two, I decided to include the war veterans as well.

"I wanted to get the war vets involved because no-one had done anything to celebrate the anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.

"So many people go into the service, do their three years and get discharged, but it's important that they be recognised. This service was the least we could do as a church to mark the 50th anniversary of V-E day.'' The initial plan was for the parade to form up at City Hall around 10.30 a.m.

and march along Church Street, onto Court Street and then along Dundonald Street to the church.

However a steady downpour prevented this phase of the event from taking place.

Instead the soldiers and the Bermuda Regiment band, went straight to the church for the two hour service entitled: "You called, we answered.'' Before the sermon, former Bermuda Regiment commanding officer Lt. Col. Brendan Hollis, told the congregation of more than 250 people, that there were many ways to serve one's country.

Veterans honoured of patriotism that goes beyond those who have served in the army,'' he said.

"There are those who were willing to die for their country but it is just as important to live for Bermuda and make a contribution on a daily basis.' ' Regimental Quartermaster Maj. Glenn Brangman delivered an energetic 40 minute sermon.

After the sermon and benediction, the servicemen and women formed up on King Street and marched onto Dundonald Street with the Bermuda Regiment band leading the way with a rendition of the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers''.

Dressed smartly in their blue blazers and grey pants, the combined squad -- that included some Bermuda Militia soldiers, present serving members of the Bermuda Regiment and two former Navy shipmen -- marched in front of Heritage Hall under the command of Capt. Henry Campbell.

Lt. Col. Hollis took the salute as the squad marched past the church.

For 70-year-old gunner Darnley Evans, who joined the BMA in 1939 and served until September 28, 1946, yesterday's commemoration marked an important milestone.

"This day is a memorial,'' he said. "A time to remember those who in the past served their country in the army and are no longer with us.'' Peter Smy, 70, who joined the merchant navy in 1940 and worked aboard munition and troop ships until the end of the Second World War said: "This celebration gives me the feeling that people still remember what we did back then.

"We were part of something that helped Bermuda and the rest of the free speaking world. I'm glad they haven't forgotten about us.'' service that honoured members of the Bermuda Militia Artillery, the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps and the Royal Navy 50 years after the Victory in Europe.