I am humbled and grateful to all those who through my life’s journey have helped me to elevate my contributions to Bermuda and, therefore, offer my thanks.

Traditionally, when we think of a hero, we usually think about someone who has exhibited extreme courage by risking their own life to save someone else’s; makes great sacrifice by putting themselves last while fighting for a worthy cause or achieves a great deed that helps to turn the pages of the past to help the future, such as the end of segregation.

The unsung heroes are those who help people on a daily basis to achieve their initiatives without any expectation or reward. They are those who walk among us every day.

They are those with a kind word, a listening ear or a warm smile that can be an encouragement to people who seek to achieve their potential. They are those that have the power to assist with change. This power is in all of us. This does not require great effort; it becomes a natural process and is what Bermuda needs.

These are people who deal with their own struggles and strive to become the best possible version of themselves they can be, but their most noble attribute is that they are still humble enough that they give selflessly of whatever time, energy and talents they may have to elevate someone else.

I have had the privilege to have been the recipient of many of these gifts both great and small. I am a grateful man and mindful of my blessings as well as my imperfections that have enabled me to make a strong contribution to Bermuda with the help from many people from all walks of life, both local and international, which have allowed me to achieve my goals and, therefore, have the honour and distinction of being elevated to the order of one of Bermuda’s national heroes.

• Sir John Swan was the Premier of Bermuda from 1982 to 1995 and is the country’s eighth national hero