Hundreds of people gathered to honour nearly 3,000 war veterans whose names were officially unveiled on a War Memorial outside Cabinet Office this morning.

People joined in song and prayer to remember the men and women who fought bravely for their country, including veteran George Fisher and widow Lillian LeVon whose late husband Joseph and step son Eric were featured on the memorial.

Mrs LeVon, 93, said:?“When I went up there I just felt like crying my eyes out of my head. I am happy and sad, just because my husband wasn’t with me today. I do miss him. If he was here he would have cracked some jokes.”

Present at the dedication ceremony was Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Premier Paula Cox, who laid wreaths at the site along with the Honorary Colonel of the Bermuda Regiment, Mrs LeVon and Mr Fisher.

Mrs Cox 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 then to lay down ones life and love one another. As we look at the masterpiece Minister (Derrick) 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.”

?More in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette