On November 11, the haunting sounds of bagpipes will be heard around the world. That there will be bagpipes playing on Remembrance Day isn’t unusual. But that they will all be playing the same song early in the morning, before traditional ceremonies have begun, is.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The ceasefire came at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918, but the armistice that ended the war was signed earlier that morning. To commemorate that act, pipers and drummers around the world—in Britain and France, Canada and the U.S., Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Israel, Australia, Somalia, and more—will each play the retreat march “When the Battle’s O’er” at 6:00 a.m. local time. The song has been traditionally played by pipers after a battle ends.
The Battle’s Over tribute was initiated in Britain and it caught the attention of Peter MacDonald, a local piper with the Cameron of Lochiel Pipes and Drums band. He brought the idea to other members who were enthusiastic about it. Cameron of Lochiel Pipes and Drums always participates in the annual Remembrance Day ceremony and parade, but this would be a unique way to recognize a significant moment in history.
“Not one person said it’s too early,” said the band’s Pipe Major, Cameron Renwick. “There was immediate support. It speaks to integrity of our band and also the importance of the event from 100 years ago, the fact that we are united as a band with our community and our nation, and out of respect for our vets.”
Twelve members of the band will gather at Huntsville’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 early on Sunday morning. Just before 6:00 a.m. they will march to a drum tap from the parking lot to the cenotaph where they will play two songs: “Green Hill” followed by “When the Battle’s O’er”. All are welcome to attend.
The annual Remembrance Day ceremony will take place at the cenotaph, followed by a service in the Legion and then a parade through downtown Huntsville starting from the Legion at 1:30 p.m.
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Hearty greetings and thank you, Cameron, for organizing this. I am delighted Huntsville still has a pipe band! I and Diana LaFlamme Snowden were the two charter female members of the Huntsville Lions Club Pipe Band, formed by Gil Cameron in about 1958. For ten years, I loved being part of this honourable group. Thank you for playing “Green Hills” and “The Battle’s O’er” on Remembrance Day. My heart will be there, as we observe the day at our church in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico.
My great grandfather was the 39th Canadian to enter the Forces. On November 11th, he’s who I think about most.
We will remember them.