Premier Ewart Brown has pledged to push for national hero Dame Lois Browne-Evans' "Independence dream".

Speaking in front of thousands of people gathered to celebrate Dame Lois' life at the National Stadium on Sunday, the Premier repeated his desire for Bermuda to break ties with the UK when the time is right.

His speech was just one of many paying tribute to the legendary trailblazer one day before Bermuda's new National Heroes' Day holiday.

"Many of the dreams of Dame Lois were fulfilled in her lifetime," said Dr. Brown.

"But the dream of self-determination for Bermuda was not achieved in her lifetime. At the risk of generating headline number 5,237 on this subject, this is the party of Independence for Bermuda and to say otherwise is to betray the ultimate dream of Dame Lois."

As the audience clapped approval, he went on: "It's what she stood for and it's what we continue to stand for. When the time is right, we must fulfill the last part of her dream."

Praising Dame Lois, he said: "What's natural is that she should be the Island's first national hero. As a woman of firsts this singular honour is rightly bestowed on her and it is the least that we can do as the beneficiaries of her struggle.

"It's a proud day for the Government and the people of Bermuda when we can pause, united, and recall the life and contribution of one who so enriched this Island through her living."

He marked the occasion by presenting Dame Lois' family with a medal.

Dame Lois' son Donald Evans told the crowd: "We want to say thank you for recognising mom as indelibly as you have done today.

"Words cannot convey our gratitude for your prayers and kindness since mom's passing. Wherever we go, you tell us how much you miss seeing mom there at one function or another."

Mr. Evans said the honour validates the pride his family have in "the most unselfish person we will ever know".

He added: "Please continue to allow yourself to be inspired by mom."

Deputy Premier Paula Cox read a biography of Dame Lois, who during her life became the first female lawyer in Bermuda, first black woman elected to Parliament, longest serving PLP MP, co-author of Bermuda's modern constitution, first female Opposition Leader in the Commonwealth, first female member of Devonshire Recreation Club, first female Attorney General, first politically appointed Attorney General and first PLP Minister of Legislative Affairs.

Culture Minister Dale Butler acknowledged the Dame's "courage, unselfishness and humility", saying it was important to identify people who have "done so much for so many people and got so little in return".

Acting United Bermuda Party leader Cole Simons said: "National heroes are, by definition, a country's best role models, and in that respect there is no finer selection for Bermuda's first national hero than Dame Lois Browne-Evans.

"I had the privilege, like many of you, to know her personally and to watch her in action across many, many years as she fought for a Bermuda that was more just, more equal and more fair."

Mr. Simons called for a citizens' committee to be set up to identify future national heroes, comprising of people chosen for their good judgment rather than their politics.

Popular musician Wendell (Shine) Hayward and singer Toni Robinson both played starring roles in the entertainment, but by far the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for an exuberant contribution from Prospect Primary School.

Boys from the school delivered a rousing rendition of 'We Are Your Future', a poem written by Mr. Butler and Shangri-La Durham-Thompson.

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