Tom Mckillip (bandleader for Lisa Brokop, producer for Aaron Pritchett, Amanda Stott and many others) called me a month ago and asked if I would like to be in the house band for a celebration that was taking place April 9th at the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France. The Vimy Ridge Memorial is a huge monument that was dedicated in 1936 to pay tribute to the many Canadian soldiers that perished during a big and bloody battle on April 9, 1917. While the battle was considered a victory for the Canadians and the French, the death toll was staggering and many of the bodies to this day have not been found. The names of the missing are printed on the monument. If and when a body gets found and the identity is established (which does happen from time to time) the name of the found soldier is filled in and a military funeral takes place.
The monument itself is overwhelming. It was designed by Walter Allward over a period of 15 years and is made from limestone from a quarry in a Croatia. Unfortunately time had worn down the monument. The Canadian Government saw fit to refurbish it in time for the 90th anniversary of the battle.
Drummer Craig Bignell, bassist Phil Hall, Tom and I left on April 5 for Lille, France on a military flight to begin rehearsals with singer Susan Aglukark and violinist Sierra Noble to perform two small sets after the main ceremonies. We had a lot of downtime which was okay with me as it gave us a chance to explore the monument up close as well as take in some of the ceremonies. The 110 piece military band was awesome - excellent arrangements and despite some cold weather during Saturday's "Sunset Ceremony", their intonation was impeccable.
On Sunday we attended a dinner with Canada's Prime Minister Steven Harper and performed with Sierra. Especially fun for me was getting to hang with Tom's long lost cousin Major Jim Mckillip - the man primarily responsible for the ceremony. A man of considerable clout and intelligence, he was charming and an excellent hang. One of the boys.
Monday's ceremony was brilliant. Jets screaming overhead, choirs, soldiers with parachutes, the military band, the Canadian PM, the French PM, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip - it was all grandiose and a fitting tribute in my mind. After the main ceremonies I couldn't but feel that what we did was a little insignificant - however it was all made worthwhile watching Major Mckillip grinning from ear to ear.
As I write this I'm beginning my 15 hour commute home. It was all very worthwhile - another amazing experience all thanks to the fact that I play music. How lucky am I.
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