2RCR Pipes and Drums: "Island-Hoppers"

Corporal Steve McGuire  

Pipes and Drums have just returned from two of Canada's most notable islands: Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. These trips signify (to us) the beginning of the intensely busy summer schedule that lays before us.

The trip to Gander, Newfoundland began with a bus ride to CFB Shearwater, where we were delayed for approximately 24 hrs due to Herc breakdown. Once the Herc was gun-taped back together, members of CFB Shearwater Pipes and Drums,CFB Greenwood Pipes and Drums, and ourselves got on board & left. In Newfoundland, we were met by members of CFB Borden Pipes and Drums, and 48th Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums.

  The purpose of our trip to Gander, Newfoundland was to perform in their first Military Tattoo (as part of the Cabot 500 celebrations). The Tattoo took time to pay tribute to the members of the U.S. 101st Airborne Div. who died tragically in a plane crash taking off from the Gander airfield in 1985.

Once we were settled we began rehearsals and the show quickly came together. The show combined the usual mix of Pipes and Drums, Brass and Reed bands, Cadets, singers, dancers, gymnasts, etc... and could rival many of the already established shows that we've performed at in the past.

  The welcome we received was wonderful. Everyone that we met during our brief stay was incredibly friendly and helpful. The audience was very appreciative, many people attending ALL 3 shows!

  As soon as the Tattoo was over, we waited the usual delays as the Herc was repaired (propeller this time) and the weather cleared. Once the runway lights were turned back on at CFB Shearwater we were finally able to land and finish our return trip by bus.

  Just as we unpacked our bags it was time to leave again, this time to Prince Edward Island for the opening of the Confederation Bridge. Members of 2RCR pipes and Drums combined with members from pipe bands all across Canada to form the Confederation Pipe Band which boasted approximately 250 pipers and drummers. We were hosted by the College of Piping and they did a magnificent job of organizing the massive mob of highlanders.

                                2RCR Pipes & Drums on the Confederation Bridge N.B./P.E.I. 

The first parade took us to the very center of the Confederation Bridge where we were photographed by helicopter. We then played off the PEI side of the bridge into the festival grounds and played before a large crowd, who were there for the celebrations. That completed, we joined the crowd to enjoy the concert that night which included such bands as The Rankins and Great Big Sea.

The next day we formed up yet again, this time for the official opening of the bridge. We played the dignitaries into place, O' Canada was played, then we marched off - free to return home. We said good bye to old and new friends and boarded the bus to CFB Gagetown.

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