More than 50 Second World War veterans marched past the Anglican Cathedral yesterday afternoon after a church service that commemorated the Japanese surrender to the Allies in 1945.

The veterans, their families and an array of dignitaries -- including Premier the Hon. David Saul, Chief Justice the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward and Mayor of Hamilton the Rt. Wor. William Boyle -- attended the hour long Cathedral Service that began at 11.00 a.m.

At the beginning of the service, Sgt. Maj. Eugene Wade, who was one of 104 Bermudian soldiers attached to the 1st Caribbean Batallion that escorted prisoners of war during the War, laid a wreath at the Cathedral altar in honour of the 34 Bermudians killed during the conflict.

The Bermuda Regiment band's brass section performed a solemn but melodic rendition of "Amazing Grace'' which was followed by a sermon from the Bishop of Bermuda, the Rt. Rev. William Down.

Rev. Down's sermon was entitled: "From all that dwell below the skies.'' He asked his audience to remember the "sheer naked evil'' that the Allies were called upon to confront at the outset of the Second World War.

"We need to be clear what we think about war in general,'' he said. "And we must use force only as a last resort not as a first action.'' Rev. Down said negotiation and reconciliation must always be tried first and the inherent worth of the individual must always be valued and respected.

Nevertheless, Rev. Down said force was sometimes justified if it was needed to defend oneself, one's family or one's country in the service of a righteous cause.

"(Our veterans) gave their today for our tomorrow.'' he said.

Although the Nazis committed atrocities during the war, Rev. Down said it was important for Christians to exercise forgiveness and leave ill feelings in the past.

"Remember that our former enemies are also the children of God,'' he said.

"From evil good can emerge.'' Mr. Frank Farmer, president of the Bermuda War Veterans Association, read the names of the 34 Bermudians who served in the Royal Navy, the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Bermuda Contingent of the 1st Caribbean Regiment, the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, the Bermuda Volunteer Engineers, the Bermuda Militia Artillery, the Bermuda Militia Infantry and the Bermuda Home Guard.

Sgt. Major Wade then laid a wreath inside the Cathedral's Warrior's Chapel and this was followed by a minute of silence.

Outside the church Sgt. Maj. Wade said: "This marks the end of all the hard struggles of 50 years ago.

"This was a special service. It gave me a chance to see old comrades, spill stories and renew old acquaintances that I haven't seen for a long time.'' Mr. Farmer, who was a member of the Royal Navy stationed in the Far East in 1945 and lost two brothers during the Second World War, said: "It was a great personal honour to be here. Today was the culmination of all the days of planning. I think it went marvelously.'' Deputy Governor Mr. Peter Willis took the salute as the veterans passed the church behind the Bermuda Regiment band.

LAST POST -- Col. Sgt. Neilson DeGraff (top photo) performs the last post at a church service at the Anglican Cathedral yesterday, which celebrated the end of the Second World War 50 years ago. After the Service, nearly 60 veterans marched past the church.