FYI - Royal British Legion: Our Troops were driven from mainland Europe in 1940 to return four years later…..
Alongside the Royal Navy it was the legendary ‘Little Ships’ that saved the Army: privately owned pleasure craft, fishing boats and ferry boats. As it was then, so it can be the people’s effort now to celebrate and commemorate this 70th Anniversary in a relay of ‘Little Ships’ from Fort William to Portsmouth.
At each Port the local community can gather in celebration, involving all ages: those who remember first hand, through to school children & youth groups who can learn the key role played by their home town.
The D Day Bag Pipes used by the Ulster Rifles will be brought down to Fort William where they will be put aboard the first of the ‘Little Ships’: fresh from the highland ceremonies. John Millin will play the Pipes aboard as he hands over to the first volunteer Piper who will then play the ship out of Port and remain on board through to the next port.
At the end of this anniversary ‘relay’ voyage through the next four weeks the Pipes will arrive in Portsmouth on Saturday 31st May 2014.
Carried by various vessels throughout this tribute voyage, the Pipes will visit ports en route which are significantly part of the D Day story of Invasion and Liberation.
Ceremonies are planned along the voyage, with the ship being piped into Port by each Volunteer Piper playing the Millin Pipes.
The town/port of Carrickfergus has been nominated to represent all of those from Northern Ireland who took part and played a role in the Normandy Landings.
Carrickfergus Marina together with our partners: Belfast Lough Sailability, Carrickfergus Sea Cadets, Carrickfergus Sailing Club and the Army Sailing Association will be supporting and assisting the Royal British Legion with this celebration and commemoration when the D Day Bag Pipes arrive in Carrickfergus Harbour on Friday 9th May 2014.
This information is being sent to all Berth Holders at Carrickfergus and Bangor Marinas for Berth Holders who wish to support and take part in welcoming this delegation to Carrickfergus with a flotilla of ‘Little Ships’ in Belfast Lough which will bring the D Day Pipes together with a group of Normandy Veterans to Carrickfergus Harbour. A lone Piper on the ramparts of Carrickfergus Castle will pipe the ‘Little Ships’ to the Harbour and following a wreath laying ceremony at Carrickfergus Harbour the Marina will host a welcome reception.
We very much welcome your support for this important event and will send further information to you all again shortly…..
No comments:
Post a Comment