'Do this for the Dame!'

The streets and rooftops of Hamilton surrounding the Cathedral were lined yesterday with so many from the Bermuda community paying their last respects to Dame Lois Brown Evans (1927-2007). Although one expected a large crowd at her funeral, I was astounded by the numbers of people in attendance both inside and outside the Cathedral. In an atmosphere both solemn and social, fine church suits, dresses and hats mixed with jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops and jump-ropes. The Bermuda Regiment was a real presence. Dozens from the crowd swarming each time programmes for the service were distributed. While politicians and other dignitaries sat inside the Cathedral, I sat outside with hundreds of people listening on broadcasting speakers to the service praising this 'visionary', 'teacher', 'humanitarian', 'matriarch of this country' and 'legend of our time'. Premier Dr. Ewart Brown rallied at the close of his tribute, 'Let's do this for the Dame!', leaving the meaning of 'this' somewhat open to interpretation. Individuals and families I spoke with said they simply had to attend this 'historic event' and wanted their children to be a part of this 'history in the making'. The procession, that had earlier arrived at the Cathedral from PLP headquarters at Alaska Hall, after the service headed to Dame Lois' final resting place at St. John's cemetary in Pembroke, where a dove was released into the sky above so many mourners.