In much of the English speaking world November 11th is called Remembrance Day. Here in the United States we celebrate Veterans Day. In both cases the day was first called Armistice Day to mark the day that the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War. No matter what day you celebrate, we honor those who answered the call to serve, those who continue to serve, and those who fell in the cause of Freedom. Sharing this video and story below from the ScottishPower Pipe Band on 80th anniversary of St Valéry – "The forgotten Dunkirk" from June of this year.
ScottishPower Pipe Band answered the call to all pipers across the world to get involved a play a tune composed by Pipe Major Donald Maclean during his time as a prisoner of war.
His march ‘The Heroes of St Valery’ commemorates those who fought and fell there.
Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, will join the tribute
His Royal Highness said: “On June 12 1940, after a gallant stand, the 51st Highland Division with supporting arms and services, including elements from English regiments, was forced to surrender to the German army at St Valéry-en-Caux on the Normandy coast of France.
“At 10am, on this year’s 80th anniversary, pipers throughout Scotland and further afield will be on their doorsteps playing the celebrated march, the Heroes of St Valéry, in honour of the fallen and to remember a battle in which those of the Division displayed the greatest courage and tenacity.”
He added: “I warmly encourage all pipers, whether skilled or learning, to take part in this moving tribute to one of the United Kingdom’s most legendary fighting formations.
"We remember all who served and who sacrificed so much.”
The piping performance at Birkhall will be echoed all over Scotland and throughout the world, with more than 450 pipers taking part in tomorrow’s poignant occasion.
It is thought the level of participants is a record for the greatest number of pipers playing simultaneously.
The events have been developed by three leading Scottish Armed Forces charities: Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and RCET: Scotland’s Armed Forces Children’s Charity.
*** Adhering to all the social distancing guidance the band recorded this to honour all those lost during that time***
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