Piper Major Roger Bernier awaits the beginning of the ceremony outside of American Legion Post 124 (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD- A group of pipers representing American Legion Post 124 braved the cold to play ‘Battle’s O’er’ on the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the first World War.
Piper Pat Scanlon, Pipe Major Roger Bernier, and Piper Fred Benda stood outside Post 124 to play the song, which was a traditional Scottish lament played on the bagpipes when a battle has ended, to honor all of those who fought in the European conflict.
Left to right: Piper Major Roger Bernier, Piper Fred Benda and Piper Pat Scanlon play ‘Battle’s O’er’ outside American Legion Post 124 (Photo by Peter Currier)
The ceremony at Post 124 was one of many to be performed as part of ‘Battle’s Over’ a worldwide tribute of pipers to mark veteran’s day and the signing of the armistice. Although most other such ceremonies around the world were played at six a.m. local time, the event in Westfield was performed at 12:30 p.m. due to weather and the post being near a residential area.
Following the song, Post Commander Ted Gage read the ‘Battles Over tribute’ to the crowd of American Legion Members and veterans. Gage was followed by Chaplin of the Post Paul Nimchick, who read the poem, ‘A Cry for Peace Around the World.’
Veterans and American Legion Members salute as part of the Battle’s Over ceremony (Photo by Peter Currier)
“Town Criers raise your voices and together cry with me,” said Nimchick as he braved the cold and wind, “Remembering those brave men and women in our history.”
