Local war veterans will feature prominently in an unprecedented exhibition set to open at the Bermuda Maritime Museum during Heritage Month next year.

Entitled 'Bermuda's Defence Heritage', the Island's largest-ever exhibition will occupy the entire ground floor of Commissioner's House at Dockyard, and cover more than 350 years of Bermudian military history from the early days of settlement through the World Wars of the 20th Century.

A series of connected rooms will highlight the history and heroes of Bermuda's military, from the early fortifications and artillery to the various local militias and veterans of the First and Second World Wars.

A key focus of one of the exhibit areas will be Bermuda's male and female war veterans who served both here and overseas, and local historians and scholars, as well as surviving veterans, are working with the Museum team on the project.

"This exhibition is a long overdue display on the local fortifications, and the men and women of the Bermuda forces who served in our defence, both here and overseas," Museum director Dr. Edward Harris said. "It is a great pleasure to be able to work on this display with veterans who are still with us, and who appreciate the commemorative nature of the new exhibition.

Dr. Harris is the author of the definitive study of the Island's defences, 'Bermuda Forts 1612-1957.'

In this regard, the Museum is now appealing for images and items pertaining to local war veterans, and anyone who can assist with memorabilia, photographs, artifacts or other information is asked to contact curator Ms Charlotte Andrews as soon as possible. 234-1333 ext. 105; fax: 234-5048, or e-mail curatorbmmibl.bm

As to what visitors to the exhibition can expect, Curator Ms Charlotte Andrews says: "They will come face to face with the military technology deemed necessary over the years to protect this tiny, yet very strategic, isle, as well as with citizens who took responsibility for Bermuda for Bermuda's protection over the centuries."