A song composed a century ago to remember those who fought and died in the war to end all wars sounded through Raymond Terrace twice on November 11.
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Piper Ron Baillie played The Battle’s O’er at the Raymond Terrace Remembrance Day service on Sunday morning then later in the afternoon under the town’s new commemorative flagpole as part of an international tribute.
Mr Baillie, from Heatherbrae, said the experience of being part of the service and afternoon tribute was “wonderful”.
“I enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “It feels great to be part of it.”
My Baillie’s father emigrated from Scotland to Australia before the start of World War I in 1914. He fought for Australia in the war.
Wearing his family crest and tartan on Sunday, Mr Baillie played two tunes, The Battle’s O’er and the Lament during the wreath laying, at the Remembrance Day service which marked 100 years since the signing of the armistice.
Mr Baillie cut quite the figure as he later stood alone, armed with his bagpipe, on the roundabout of Port Stephens and William Streets – the location Raymond Terrace RSL Sub-Branch’s new flagpole – and played The Battle’s O’er.
About 20 people, including members of the RSL sub-branch which asked Mr Baillie to be part of the tribute, lined the corners of the streets to watch him play at 5pm – the same time as pipe bands and piers around Australia and the world performed the same tune to commemorate the memory of all veterans and their families who served and sacrificed during WWI.
When he was finished playing, the Australian flag was lowered from the flagpole.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
