THE RSL Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band participated in a special one-off event on Remembrance Day when pipers all over the world simultaneously played a tune to commemorate the end of World War I.
“The Battle is O’er” was played in cities all over the world at exactly 6am French time (4.30pm SA time) to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice.
Dozens of people gathered in front of the Mount Gambier RSL to witness the historic event.
RSL Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band pipe major Barry Ward said it was exciting to be part of something which was happening across the globe.
“This idea has been around for six to eight months and the band made the decision we were going to be involved from the outset,” Mr Ward said.
“It was something that was always going to be a one-off event and we were pretty pleased with how it all went.”
Mr Ward said he felt a sense of pride to perform alongside his counterparts in front of a strong crowd in a unique setting.
“When we finished playing the tune, I was proud as punch because we do not often get to play to groups who crowd around us like that,” he said.
“I had a few people come up and say how much they appreciated what we did.”
RSL president Bob Sandow said it was one of the highlights of the day.
“Without taking anything away from the solemn morning service, I really feel like the pipe band enhanced the whole day,” Mr Sandow said.
“To have 1000 pipers playing the same tune in all different parts of the country is amazing and I have to give Barry and the other pipers a lot of credit for making it happen here.”
While the tune required some practice by the band in the lead-up, Mr Ward said it was now part of its repertoire.
He said the most fortunate part about the whole concept was the timing.
“We are just lucky that our time was 4.30pm,” Mr Ward said.
“I think we still would have done it even if it was in the middle of the morning, but it was great to be able to have a crowd there to witness it.”
