The island’s political leaders today issued their Bermuda Day messages as the traditional event marked its 40th anniversary.

David Burt, the Premier, said the day was the highlight of the spring calendar and, for many, the official start of summer.

He added: “Bermudians have united around traditions of the day that include the half-marathon and of course the colourful parade in Hamilton.

“At the heart of our diverse cultural backgrounds is the unity this day should bring.

“Bermuda Day can be more than the events and celebrations, it can inspire us to take pride in our Island home and to celebrate what we do well while committing to working together to make things better for the very same children who we applaud running, cycling or marching on Bermuda Day.”

Mr Burt said: “Led by the immaculate Band & Corps of Drums of the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the exciting, rhythmic beat of our Gombeys, this year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Bermuda Day Parade.

“The 2019 theme, Bermudian Excellence, speaks to the tremendous talent that we have in Bermuda. From the outstanding craftsmanship displayed in our floats, to the extraordinary energy of the performers and the dedication of the many spectators who spend the entire day enthusiastically cheering on marathon runners and parade participants.

Mr Burt added: “This year’s honourees reflect that Bermudian excellence. These men and women demonstrate the best of Bermuda and their enormous personal sacrifices are testaments to who we are as Bermudians.

“As we salute them, their diverse paths in life have been marked by international acclaim but Bermuda has always been in their hearts.

Mr Burt said: “May 24th is a special occasion for Bermuda, and my family and I look forward to being a part of this wonderful tribute to our heritage.

“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I wish everyone a Happy Bermuda Day. Have a happy and safe holiday.”

Craig Cannonier, the Opposition Leader, added: “I would like to offer my warmest greeting to the people of Bermuda as we celebrate Bermuda Day and the Bermuda Day Parade.

“Bermuda is blessed by an abundance of good fortune from the beauty of our island to the amazing people who make our home what it is today.

“We are a pioneering people who have successfully weathered many storms to always bounce back, better and stronger.

“Underpinning that has been a sense of excellence — excellence in spirit, in endeavour and in performance. Bermuda really has, and continues to, punch way above its weight.

Mr Cannonier said: “We only have to look at recent successes such as Bermuda qualifying for the Concacaf Gold Cup and the outstanding results at the recent Carifta Games to see how our people excel.

“However, while they may get the headlines, there are countless others who strive, often unrecognised, to make a difference in our society, who excel in upholding what is best about Bermuda — its friendliness, its willingness to help others and its innate sense of humanity.

“We are lucky to live in a place such as this and I would ask you all to pause for a second and think of those whose efforts make our lives better.”