65ste Airborne Commemoration
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18, 19 and 20 September 2009

Info
On the occasion of the 65th Airborne commemoration the idea was brought up to form a Massed Pipes & Drums band. Through the contacts of our Drum Major George Alblas, this Massed Pipe band was finally formed out of:

- The Pipes and Drums Royal Scots Borders (1st Batt. Royal Regiment of Scotland)
- The Pipes and Drums of The City of Rochester
- The Pipes and Drums of Glenmoriston
- The Pipes and Drums of The Devon & Sommerset Fire Resque Service
- The Pipers of The Royal Artillery
- The Pipes and Drums of The Royal British Legion, Amsterdam Branch

During the memorial weekend the Massed Pipe band visited the cities Arnhem, Ede and Oosterbeek.

Prior to the commemoration on Friday evening at the Airborne square in Arnhem, the Massed Band crossed the John Frost Bridge playing the tunes 'Mist Covered Mountains' and 'My home'; a very impressive walk, also because there was an enormous crowd present on the bridge.

After the ceremony there was a short performance at the Town Hall in Arnhem.

Saturday morning the Massed Band was present at the commemoration at the Ginkelse heath in Ede . The lament at the Ginkelse Heath was performed by Pipe Major William Taylor of The Pipes and Drums Royal Scots Borders (1st Batt. Royal Regiment of Scotland), formally know as The King's Own Scottish Borders. The KOSB has her battle honour at the Ginkelse Heath and it was more than obvious that of all bands, she would perform the lament. After the performance the complete band departed for the Gelredome in Arnhem, where we performed during the break of the football match Vitesse-RKC. Exceptional was that the pipers had rehearsed to form together the figure 65.

Sunday morning the memorial service at the cemetery in Oosterbeek was held. Afterwards we walked in slow march towards the cemetery, playing the tunes ' Mist Covered Mountains ' and 'My home'.
From the cemetery a march was held towards the town centre of Oosterbeek. After a short break a final performance was given on the occasion of the reopening of the renovated Airborne museum.

Pictures
Especially during the march over the John Frost Bridge, but also during the other commemorations, unimaginably many pictures were taken. With thanks to Henk Peelen and Ron Williams, who kindly shared their photos. For an impression see our photo album.

With thanks to all who have made this weekend to a success. Our special thanks goes out to Pouwel Vos, secretary Stichting Airborne Herdenkingen.