The haunting sounds of bagpipes resonated throughout the South Shore and around the world at 6 a.m. on Nov. 11.
That’s when more than 3,000 pipers worldwide took part in Battle’s Over, a tribute to the moment 100 years earlier when the guns fell silent — bringing to an end what would be referred to as “the war to end all wars.” Each piper played the same tune: the well-known retreat march, When the Battle’s O’er. On the South Shore, 78-year-old Ron LeBlanc was one of the local pipers who joined in the touching tribute.
LeBlanc happened to be on the website of the College of Piping (based in Glasgow, Scotland) and saw the request for pipers around the world to join the tribute. He knew Nov. 11 would already be a day filled with playing, but decided if he didn’t join in he would surely regret it. He felt his small effort would be minimal compared to the sacrifices that so many made, long ago, for each of us, so he registered with as a participant and was ready to do his part.
LeBlanc took up the pipes as a young boy of 18. After a few years of playing, he started his career and got married, and the pipes went silent. It was years later that he took them in his arms, once again, to join a pipe band with a legion in Ontario. He has not put them down since, and has been playing for 43 years now.
LeBlanc is the “go-to piper” in Bridgewater and surrounding areas, and attends every event — rain or shine — to bring his love of the pipes to the masses. LeBlanc says he will continue to play as long as he keeps doing a good job.
He woke early on Nov. 11, knowing he would have piping engagements lasting until late in the day. He dressed and headed off to Veterans Memorial Park in Bridgewater to join the overnight vigil being held by the local Sea Cadet Corps, and took up position next to the monument listing members from the community that served in the Great War.
He kept checking his watch to make sure he knew when it was time to begin. At 6 a.m. sharp, the sounds of the pipes echoed through the streets, signalling the emotional moment.
LeBlanc says he felt very emotional while he was playing, but he also felt a wave of pride and patriotism come over him. When he finished playing, he was satisfied that he had done his part.
The 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War happens in 2020, and he says he hopes to still be playing so he can participate in that celebration, too.
Dan Hennessey is a an author, prostate cancer survivor, advocate and motivational speaker. Find him on the web at www.snapofaglove.ca.