Remembrance Day in Canada

In Canada, Remembrance Day is celebrated on November the 11th. Customarily, we respect a moment of silence at 11 AM, to reflect upon the memory of our soldiers who gave their lives so we can enjoy freedom in our beautiful country. Traditionally, a piper plays a lament. There is a silence broken by a reveille by the piper. Military tradition dictates, “The Flowers of the Forest,” as the lament. I regularly played that selection in The Army and Navy Legion Pipes and Drums in Winnipeg. In churches, schools and care homes, other music recognizable to those attending, is generally chosen.

My choice of a hymn for our church service this November, was “Highland Cathedral.” A soloist sang, “I Cannot Tell,” to the melody, “Londonderry Air.” Both were beautiful tributes to our military personnel. This was the Sunday before Remembrance Day. White Rock Baptist Church has excellent acoustics and the music was projected to Heaven. The Surrey Firefighters’ Pipe Band, in British Columbia is the one to which I belong, and our members performed in the morning of November 11th, at the cenotaph. A short parade to the Legion followed, where a program was presented. Having been asked to play at Westminster House for seniors, I didn’t participate with the band. The moment of silence at the home was observed precisely at eleven o’clock. The lament was played a few minutes before, and the reveille after the silence. The lament chosen for this occasion, was “The Lament of the MacDonalds,” because it involved an instance of hostilities not to be forgotten. It is the saddest song I know, and there is no other instrument able to convey the deep emotion like the pipes. “Highland Cathedral” was appropriate for the reveille. There wasn’t a trumpet player, so the piper took both parts in the program.

At Westminster House Seniors’ Home, war veterans were given an opportunity to speak about the branch of service in which they participated and to say something about their experiences. Some were well over 90; both men and women.

The second Seniors’ home, Morgan Place, required a piper for their afternoon service on Remembrance Day, which was convenient. The program was well organized. A Mountie was present in his red serge coat, riding breeches, high leather boots, and Stetson. A lady spoke on the significance of Remembrance Day. Singing and a few comments by residents rounded the program. “Amazing Grace” was requested and the lament was, “Dark Island,” one of the most beautiful and expressive songs I know. A lady said afterwards, that she recognized “Dark Island.” In closing, I played, “Highland Cathedral,” and I marched out with it, along with the Mountie, who looked magnificent and smart, reminding everyone of the considerable training that is typical of the military and our police force.

Our pipe band was enlisted by a local High School, to play for two services of remembrance a few days before the 11th. The school consists of approximately 1600 students, and required two consecutive services to accommodate them all in the auditorium. The band led the color party of students, and also played several numbers. An elderly war veteran spoke at both sessions, and videos showed the horror of wars. Students were most attentive and respectful as they thought of the soldiers who lost their lives. “We remember them,” and pray, that wars will no longer involve our dear sons and daughters, to enable us to live in peace. We are thankful to all who gave their lives for our freedom. I am honored to participate in these sacred remembrance services, to help families remember their dear ones, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sake.