Proud to be Bermudian, isn’t just a song played in heavy rotation on many local radio stations.There are many people — despite the chillier than normal May weather and poor economy — who sing the Island’s praises.In advance of tomorrow’s Heritage Day celebrations, The Royal Gazette asked Bermudians what they thought about Bermuda. They gave us plenty of reasons why they were proud to call this 21-square-mile Island their own.Social media strategist Carla Saunders Zuill said one of the things she loves most about being Bermudian is the summertime.“Practically every Sunday from June to September, we load up the children and the barbecue and head to one of our favourite beaches, usually Turtle Bay, for a day of fun in the sun.“Heritage Day is my favourite holiday of the year, and this year will be extra special because my six-year-old son, Ajani, will be dancing [in the parade with the] Gombeys for the first time. He is so excited and I am proud that he is entering a rich Bermuda tradition for boys.”Poet and graphic designer Stephan Johnstone said: “I love most our accent [and] how we tie and merge our words together. Even though it’s not proper English the cadence is uniquely Bermudian.”He said he also loved the spirit of residents and “generally how we are just great people. I believe Bermudians have a lot we can contribute to the world”.Documentary filmmaker Lara Smith said: “In Bermuda, I like the fact that we have strong family ties. I like the fact that even if someone is not related to you, we use terms like ‘auntie’ or ‘cousin’ not only out of respect, but also to show how close you are to someone.”Progressive Labour Party MP Dale Butler said: “Bermuda holidays bring out the best in all of us. Just walk our streets and political and economic barriers disappear as people greet you with a smile once they are settled in their favourite spot on May 24th and like a bird building a nest, leave them alone while they set up their camp.“The fact that we put our issues on the side and spend the day relaxing bodes well for our future.”Said One Bermuda Alliance Warwick West candidate Jeff Sousa: “I would truly say what I love the most about Bermuda is our people the way we talk, the way we look, the way we act. We truly represent the mosaic that makes up the world.“And second to our colourful people is the colours that are all around us. The blues and turquoise of the ocean that surrounds us, our homes that are the colours of the rainbow, all the different shades of green in our vegetation and of course all of the Bermuda-ful flowers that come out every summer.”Dance hall artist Alex (Fiyah) Marshall said being Bermudian felt like being part of an exclusive members’ only club.“No place is like this in the world the vibrancy of our culture, our people, the outstanding beauty and our spirit of togetherness makes this a truly special place that I am very proud to be a part of.“If you go to YouTube my latest music video, ‘Take You Away’, you can see how proud I am to show off this little treasure in the Atlantic as is any Bermudian. We may be small but we have a lot to offer and that is what I feel resonates in any and all Bermudians.”OBA MP Louise Jackson said: “I love Bermuda for its beautiful people who greet each other with a smile and ‘good morning’. Bermudians are caring, giving, polite, and have a deep sense of family.“I enjoy the natural beauty of Bermuda with its pink sand, blue waters and unbelievable flora.“Most of all, I appreciate having the privilege of living and working for 60 years in this very special country. My marriage of 54 years to [the late Senate president] Albert Jackson and having two lovely daughters, Susan and Deborah, has made my 60-year journey in this beautiful country a dream come true.”Comedian Nadanja Bailey said he loved having the chance to show off the Island to visitors.“I drive a taxi and I love getting to show tourists different parts of the Island and helping to make their trip even more special.“Bermuda has a lot of hidden treasures and the stuff they get to see in tourist magazines doesn’t always show them things I know about as a local.”He continued: “To be Bermudian is a wonderful thing. I love our culture and who we are as a people and it’s a beautiful thing when people say, ‘Say that again, I love your accent’.”Raleigh Bermuda executive director Kristin White said: “There’s so much to love about Bermuda — the natural beauty above all.“I often find myself shaking my head in awe at a particular vista, a gorgeous sunset, or the ocean blues. Reflecting on our community, while there’s a lot that we can do better, I love how giving our society is.“Whether it’s a local child in need, or an international disaster a world away, Bermudians reach into their pockets and give what they can.”Makeda Trust co-founder Shawn Murphy said: “What I love most about Bermuda is its diverse people and the Island’s beauty. I am most grateful for the friendliness of its people and their ability to adapt to changes.”Lawyer Kimberley Caines said: “I love being a part of this community because of our rich history but also the uniqueness of being Bermudian. We have an unspoken confidence as a people.“I love Bermuda for its size and the fact that everyone knows one another, which is invariably a positive and a negative. I love the friendliness of our people, although it’s not as apparent as back in the day but it’s still there.“Wherever you go you can’t get away without saying ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’, but those greetings are a daily comfort that I’ve come to appreciate and value.”