Crowds gathered at the Cenotaph on Front Street on Monday morning to pay their respects to war veterans who fought for the island’s freedom through a catalogue of conflicts over the past 100 years.

The annual Remembrance Day service, held on the anniversary of the end of the First World War on November 11, 1918, was led by Rena Lalgie, the Governor.

After two minutes of silence, Ms Lalgie, as the King’s representative on the island and head of Bermuda’s military, was the first of several dignitaries to lay a wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph outside the Cabinet Office.

Others to lay wreaths included David Burt, the Premier, Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition and a former Royal Bermuda Regiment soldier, and Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton.

The service kicked off with a march-past by soldiers past and present, led by the regiment’s Band and Corps of Drums.

A gun salute was followed by the laying of wreaths, after which the Reverend Canon Jerry Smith, of the Cathedral of The Most Holy Trinity in Hamilton, delivered prayers to a hushed congregation.

He said: “Brethren, on this day of remembrance, we meet to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom in two world wars, especially those who served in defence of this land of ours and are here commemorated.”

After the rousing hymn Onward Christian Soldiers, Canon Smith prayed for those who had made the “the supreme sacrifice” in times of war.

He said: “Remember, O Lord, all those, the brave and the true who have died the death of honour and are departed in the hope of resurrection to eternal life.

“In that place of light, whence sorrow and mourning are far banished, give the spirit of happiness and peace which comes from living close to our dear ones and being one in thee.”

For some in attendance, the ceremony represented an opportunity to enjoy a longstanding tradition of flag-waving military pomp.

For others, the event was more personal.

Midge Pullen, 81, said: “My father was in the army and my father-in-law served in Egypt during the Second World War.

“He came out with a leg injury which affected him for the rest of his life.

“But everybody was glad to serve — that was the thing to do back then.”

Ms Pullen, originally from New York, said she was not sure if that same dedication to service existed today.

“Perhaps in a smaller amount,” she said.

“But I’m just glad to be here. I come here every year to pay my respects.”

Her friend, Susan Hillen, said: “It’s important to carry the memory on, so that people don’t forget.

“It’s nice to see a decent-sized crowd here this morning. It’s important to be here to remember those who sacrificed everything so that we can be here today. Will the same service be held 100 years from now? It would be nice to think so but realistically ...”

Visitor Brian Kaplansky and his wife, Nancy Ladenheim, from Montreal, Canada, have been coming to the island every November to celebrate their wedding anniversary 42 years ago.

Mr Kaplansky, 66, said: “My dad was a veteran of World War Two. We’ve visited the beaches in Normandy and we have it in our blood to be very grateful for what these young men did.

“They paved the way for the free life that we are now blessed to live. Sacrifices were made and the very least we can do is pay tribute to them and be thankful and honour their sacrifices — the big sacrifices of a whole generation.

“We like to travel but the only place we ever return to is Bermuda — one of the nicest places we’ve ever been to — the nicest people, the nicest beaches, great food, great golf. And great traditions like this.”

Retired hospitality worker Maxine Smith, 71, said: “My daddy went to war in Europe.

“When he came back, he always marched in the parade and I always came out to support him. I also had uncles who were in the regiment so it’s something that I’ve always done — something to remember, to support to honour.”

The Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Corporal Melissa Brangman, 33, was a member of the RBR catafalque party — a guard around the Cenotaph.

She said: “It was an honour to be able to be on parade and remember those that fought — many of whom lost their lives — in order for us to be where we are today as a people.

“I also take pride in giving back to my community with my service, which is why I continue and will continue to serve.”

Private Andrea Warren, a personal trainer and part-time member of the RBR Coast Guard, joined troops on parade for the first time in several years and enjoyed the opportunity to march alongside soldiers she works with less often.

The 38-year-old, from Pembroke, said: “It’s always an honour to represent your country and honour those who made the sacrifice. You just want to represent as best you can.”

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