The joints seemed a little stiff, and one or two walking sticks could be spotted. The hair ranged from sparse to grey. And the proud features were, for the most part, lined and tightly drawn.

Even old warriors bedecked in victory medals face defeat against man's oldest enemy: Time.

They may also be battling the odds on another front -- a waning sense of gratitude among the young.

But nobody would have guessed it judging by yesterday's massive crowd at the Remembrance Day parade.

Hundreds lined Front Street to watch the procession of bands and cheer on the veterans.

Many, of course, were camera-clicking American visitors seeking shots of British-style pageantry.

"I think it's just great. It's really stirring,'' gushed Ms Sylvia Peet, from Vermont.

"It's the first time I've been here, and it's very different back home. We don't have all the plumed hats.'' She added: "There were some young people next to me, and I heard them explaining to their little girl what it was all about. I think it's good that young people should remember.'' Massachusetts couple Mr. Jack Hartman and Mrs. Mary Lou Hartman, here for their 30th wedding anniversary, were also enthusiastic.

"It's been fabulous. They don't shut the streets off the back home, and I would be working if I was there,'' said Mr. Hartman.

The annual ceremony went off without a hitch. Even the threatened rain clouds held off.

People were treated to a medley of morale-boosting military tunes as the Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums arrived at the cenotaph outside the Cabinet Building.

Also marching into view were the Bermuda Cadet Corps, the US Navy, Bermuda Police Cadets, Boys Brigade, St. John's Ambulance, Sea Cadets and Girl Nautical Corps, North Village Band, Somerset Bridge Band and the Salvation Army.

Shivers passed down the spine of at least one observer -- Bermudian lawyer Michael Scott.

His father, Mr. Triscott Scott, played the trombone in the Somerset Brigade Ban.

"Music is in our family,'' he said, camera at the ready.

Up to 100 veterans and ex-servicemen were the last to wend their way to the cenotaph. Cheers and applause broke out as they appeared.

Among them were veterans from the First and Second World Wars. Some immediately caught the eye.

Taking his place in the line-up was wheelchair-bound Mr. Jimmy Butler, glinting medals pinned on both chests.

An 8th Army veteran, the cheerful 66-year-old took part in the North Africa campaign.

Former Premier and recently ousted MP the Hon. Sir John Sharpe was there too.

And Chelsea pensioner Mr. Gilbert Butterworth, clad in traditional red finery, made for a perfect colour photo for visitors.

The 77-year-old was also an 8th Army "desert rat'' campaigner against Rommel.

"I served in Italy, too, and took part in the invasion of Europe,'' he stated proudly.

Mr. Butterworth mingled with the crowd rather than take part in the parade.

Other ex-servicemen included those who had seen action in Vietnam and Korea, and there was a Major General Davis from the US Marine Corps.

"He received the medal of honour -- the highest award for serving in Korea,'' explained Mr. Frank Farmer, president of the Bermuda War Veterans Association.

After the royal salute, Governor Lord Waddington passed along the rows of veterans.

He paused briefly to chat to several of them during his inspection. Two minutes of silence came next, followed by the last post.

A bagpiper then played as Lord Waddington, the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade, and other VIPs and leading military lights laid their wreaths.

After a brief ceremony, the bands and veterans left. For Mr. Farmer the day was another huge success.

"There was a great crowd. The crowd seems to get bigger each year. I don't know why.'' SALUTING A HERO -- Governor Lord Waddington chats to wheelchair-bound Jimmy Butler, an 8th Army veteran who took part in the Allies' North African campaign.