Pipers commemorate D-Day over 10 days
Local pipers have played out 10 days of D-Day commemorations, in conjunction with a nationwide initiative.
Individually or together, a group of local pipers have played at 8am in different venues around the island.
Their final performance was held on the rooftop of the Royal Yacht Club yesterday morning.
About 20 people came to watch and enjoy the music.
Piper Kevin McLagan was glad the rain held off for their final performance.
‘We’ve had a few drops along the way. It’s not a bad thing, it can just make it a little uncomfortable,’ he said.
‘We had a soloist, Mick Tate, playing Highland Laddie, which is a tribute to Bill Millin on Sword Beach on 6 June 1944.’
Bill Millin was 21 years old when he led the 1st Commando Brigade onto the beaches of Normandy with his bagpipes.
He had been playing Highland Laddie, which was said to lift troops’ spirits and increase their determination.
‘I’m really proud of the Guernsey group for playing every day for 10 days at 8am. Thank you to them,’ said Mr McLagan.
One spectator, Alan Stevens, said that the turnout was impressive for a bank holiday.
‘It was brilliant, I’ve always loved the sound of bagpipes since I was a kid. I’ve been to every performance the last 10 days,’ he said.
Mr Stevens said that it would be nice to see more people come to watch, but added that it was quite early, and a lot of people might just be getting out of bed.
