Pipes and drummers on Saturday will pay tribute to Australian men and women who served in World War Two in a special VP Day commemoration.
Hundreds of Australian pipers and drummers will be joined by musicians from across North America and Britain for the 9.30am performance of VP 75 – Lest We Forget, a tune specially commissioned by Pipe Bands Australia and written by Melbourne composer Mark Saul for the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
The lament honours all Australians who served at home and abroad and particularly those who did not return from theatres of war and prisoner-of-war camps.
Musicians will be at local cenotaphs and memorials or in their driveways to comply with COVID-19 social restrictions.
Pipers, drummers and pipe bands had a long traditions of supporting commemorative occasions, providing music of reflection and thanks over more than a century in local communities.
Pipe Bands Australia’s VP75 – A Piping Tribute initiative has been supported with Australian Government Saluting Their Service grant.
The 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two is a time for us all to share stories and pay tribute to those who served.
Pipe bands have long been integral to providing musical support to the army in Australia and many pipers and drummers serviced in World War Two, including the Mildura Pipe Band that enlisted as a group, the only Australian community pipe band to do so.
Pipe bands are facing many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, members being unable to come together for practice and performance.
The VP75 tribute allows our pipers and drummers to still make a meaningful contribution to community on this very special anniversary when we will remember the sacrifices of earlier generations.
