A few words at this time of year about my selection of Bermudian Veterans for special tributes for serving overseas in World War Two.

Usually I like to choose a combination of those who are still with us and those who may have passed on.

This year is different. All those I've selected died within the past 18 months. But all those I've chosen this year, with one exception, saw service in the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps (BVRC) before volunteering to overseas.

They are Eugene Doughty, Keith Aubrey, John Watlington and David Lindsay. David died this year. He was born in Bermuda. His story is so unique and so well written by himself that I felt the time had come to present it again.. I know you will all agree with me.

Time is getting short. In 1946, there were 375 members in the BVRC Overseas Association. Now there are only 11. Nevertheless, we do retain a closeness that only we can fully comprehend.

Just three were able to attend this year's reunion in Bermuda in May: Francis Stephens (President), George Fisher (Honorary Secretary) and me (Tommy Aitchison). Yet, we had no hesitation in deciding there should be a reunion in 2010.

Perhaps, next year, we can persuade at least one of the remaining eight members to join us. Most of those who could not attend this year were just too unwell to do so. They are: Bobbie Burnard, Hal Dale, Herbert Marshall, Dr. Fred Mansbridge, Graham Madeiron, Geoff Osborn, GM, George Rowlands and Jimmy Vallis. An additional difficulty is that four of the eleven surviving members live abroad from Bermuda.

Nevertheless one or more may be on a visit home and could arrange to attend, as did this year.