National Heroes Day (Bermuda)
National Heroes Day honors Bermudians who have made outstanding contributions to the nation's development, culture and identity. Established in 2008, the holiday replaced the Queen's Birthday as an official observance, reflecting Bermuda's growing focus on national pride and self-recognition. Each year, the government selects and celebrates individuals whose achievements have strengthened the island's social, political or cultural foundations. National Heroes Day serves as both a tribute to Bermuda's most inspiring figures and a celebration of unity and national heritage.
When is National Heroes Day?
National Heroes Day in Bermuda is celebrated on the third Monday in June each year.
The following is the list of National Heroes Day from 2020 to 2049.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| National Heroes Day | Jun 15, 2020 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 21, 2021 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 20, 2022 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 19, 2023 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 17, 2024 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 16, 2025 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 15, 2026 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 21, 2027 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 19, 2028 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 18, 2029 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 17, 2030 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 16, 2031 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 21, 2032 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 20, 2033 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 19, 2034 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 18, 2035 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 16, 2036 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 15, 2037 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 21, 2038 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 20, 2039 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 18, 2040 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 17, 2041 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 16, 2042 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 15, 2043 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 20, 2044 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 19, 2045 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 18, 2046 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 17, 2047 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 15, 2048 | Monday |
| National Heroes Day | Jun 21, 2049 | Monday |
The History of National Heroes Day?
National Heroes Day in Bermuda was established in 2008, replacing the public holiday formerly held for Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday. The holiday was created to honour Bermudians who have made significant, lasting contributions to the island's society, culture or development. It reflects a shift toward recognising locally-rooted heroes rather than colonial or monarchical observances.
Individuals designated as a "National Hero" must have made a "significant and lasting contribution to Bermuda", enriched the lives of others, and exhibit outstanding character and leadership. The designation is lifetime, meaning once someone is named a National Hero, they retain the title forever.
The nomination and naming procedures are governed by the National Heroes Act 2024, which states that nominations open to the public roughly every ten years. The holiday is part of a longer "Heroes Weekend" that includes cultural events and sometimes aligns with the island's Carnival festivities.
By honouring local heroes, the holiday fosters a sense of national identity, unity and cultural heritage, "to know our heroes is to know ourselves". It also provides a time for reflection on the values and contributions that shaped Bermuda's progress, such as leadership in civil rights, labour movements, public service, and social justice.
In summary, National Heroes Day in Bermuda marks a deliberate celebration of Bermudian-led achievements and community legacy, transforming a former colonial holiday into one deeply rooted in local identity and collective memory.