Photos: 2010 War Memorial Dedication Ceremony
The Official Dedication Ceremony for the new War Memorial on the grounds of the Cabinet Office took place this morning [Dec 12].
The War Memorial, designed and constructed in London, UK by David West, consists of a granite rolling ball fountain that depicts a map of the world. The rolling ball sits on a granite base flecked with quartz. Behind the rolling ball, the names of over 2,500 Bermuda veterans are carved on stone pillars. Names appear in alphabetical order and those who perished in battle have a tiny gold leaf diamond etched next to their names.
Wreaths were laid by Governor Sir Richard Gozney; Premier Paula Cox; Lt. Col. Eugene Raynor, Honourary Colonel of the Bermuda Regiment; Veteran Mr. George Fisher and Mrs. Lillian Levon, widow of War Veteran, Mr. Joseph William LeVon. The ceremony also involved the Bermuda Regiment Guard of Honour, the Band of the Bermuda Regiment, the Ensemble Singers, senior members of the Island’s clergy and the Bermuda Sea Cadets. Dignitaries including the Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess, other Members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament, War Veterans and their families were also amongst the guests who will be seated on the Cabinet Office lawn.
“There is a BVRC Memorial in Victoria Park for white veterans and a BMA Memorial in St. George’s for black veterans. Now there is a new Memorial for everyone, – No longer are our vets segregated by race, unit or by where they served,” said Ms. Carol Everson who has been instrumental in the effort.
She added, “I am immensely grateful to the Government of Bermuda, in particular to Mr. Robert Horton and the Hon. K. H. Randolph Horton, JP, MP who were then in the Ministry of Home Affairs and who first supported my efforts to have all of our vets properly recognized and compensated.
“Government recently updated the Pensions and Gratuities (War Service) Act 1947 to provide veterans and their widows with benefits, including free hospital treatment, respite and palliative care, a monthly pension and a funeral grant. More recently, I am grateful to Minister Derrick Burges for his unwavering support of the New Memorial initiative.”
Photo Courtesy of the Bermuda Regiment Public Relations Office, click to enlarge:
[Bernews would like to extend our thanks to the Bermuda Regiment Public Relations Office for the photos]
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The new Memorial is a most fitting tribute to all those who fought in the two World Wars. Congratulations to all those involved in its creation. This is a perfect example of how we can all work together in harmony to achieve a common goal. Many thanks also to Bernews for your excellent coverage.
What a great day for the war mermorial dedication ceremony my uncle was a war veteran in world 1 great to see his name SPANSWICK G god bless them all thanks bermuda.