Government will hold an official dedication ceremony for the Island’s new War Memorial tomorrow.

The memorial honours the sacrifices made by Bermuda residents who served in the First World War and Second World War.

Designed and constructed in England by David West, the War Memorial 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.

Those who perished in battle have a tiny gold leaf diamond next to their names.

Government said it believes a higher proportion of Bermudian residents served in the First World War than any other country.

Bermudians participated in all the great battles including the Battle of the Somme in France, which lasted six months and left nearly one million people dead.

Carol Everson has been at the forefront of a campaign to ensure that Bermuda’s forgotten veterans received the compensation and recognition that they were due.

Her efforts led to the names of more than 2,500 Bermuda veterans being carved on the Memorial.

“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,” she said.

“No longer are our vets segregated by race, unit or by where they served.

“The effort to have all of our vets properly recognised was presented to the Government some years ago.

“I am eternally grateful for the commitment and dedication of [Public Works Minister Derrick Burgess] who assumed responsibility for the project, totally embraced it and brought it to fruition.

“Through his efforts there will forever stand a monument of remembrance to all the men and women who have served our Country.”

Members of the public who are planning to attend the ceremony are advised to arrive early as traffic restrictions for areas between Front Street and King Street, Front Street and Parliament Street and Court Street and Reid Street will be in place from 8am until the conclusion of the ceremony.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney will join Premier Paula Cox and the Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess at the ceremony, which will start at 9.30am on the Cabinet Office grounds.