Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan yesterday said Bermuda "responded magnificently to the call to arms,'' during the Second World War.

To mark today's 50th anniversary of V.E. Day, Sir John paid tribute to the Bermudians who served in the Second World War.

"Although the number of Bermudians who took part in the war effort were modest by comparison to those from other countries, Bermuda, when called upon to do so, responded magnificently to the call to arms, with many serving in theatres of war in such far-flung places as Africa, Great Britain and in Europe,'' Sir John said in a statement faxed to The Royal Gazette .

"Many of the Bermudians never returned to this Island to enjoy the fruits their labours had produced, but, even in death, we remember them and the ultimate sacrifice they made in order to preserve democracy and freedom around the world.

"We shall always hold those men and women dear in our hearts and it is altogether fitting, therefore, that we should all pause a moment to remember those who gave their lives in the defence of freedom ...

"To those war veterans who are still alive and whose memories of that terrible War are still vivid, I express the grateful thanks, not only of the Government and people of Bermuda, but also those of the international community for their meaningful contribution to overcoming the forces of evil and oppression.''