THE BEAT GOES ON
Being a Canadian abroad is an emotional experience for Cindy Johnson and her bandmates
The Colchester Legion Pipes and Drums are departing for the Netherlands in April to commemorate that country’s liberation from Nazi Germany by Canadian forces.
TRURO, N.S. – Decked out in a smart red uniform, Cindy Johnson garners much respect when she marches down a cobbled Netherlands street.
Seventy-five years after Canadian forces freed the Netherlands from Nazi oppression, Johnson and her fellow Nova Scotians still enjoy the celebrity treatment. She is headed to the Netherlands for the fourth time with the Colchester Legion Pipes and Drums group, April 29 to May 11.
“It’s hard to explain, but there’s such a nice feeling to know there’s such a bond between two countries,” said Johnson, a pipe major. “It makes me feel very proud.”
While the trip is booked and paid for, the Pipes and Drums had to pay about $26,000 out of pocket, one third of the total cost.
They are hosting a series of fundraisers to put towards their expenses, the most recent being a pancake breakfast at Truro Legion Feb. 16. Two more are planned before they leave.
Johnson first visited the Netherlands with the Pipes and Drums in 1990, returning in 2005, 2010 and 2015. In years past, the group took Second World War veterans along with them, but Johnson was doubtful any will come this year.
“We still have vets, but most of them are in their 90s.”
The Pipes and Drums are staying in the small town of Hellendoorn, near the German border. The band will parade there as well as in the nearby town of Nijverdal and Wageningen, near the city and former battleground of Arnhem.
The Colchester Pipes and Drums hold practice sessions at least once a week. As their trip looms, the group is fitting in extra practice.
The group is rehearsing their bagpipe and drumming routines with the help of music videos sent by a Dutch orchestra, whose songs they will perform when on tour.
“The world seems smaller now we can do things like that,” said Johnson.
The two upcoming Pipes and Drums fundraisers include a Legion trivia night and yard sale.
Trivia will run from 7 to 10 p.m. on March 21 at the Truro Legion, 42 Brunswick St. The yard sale is also at the Legion and is on April 19 from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more information and updates, visit the Colchester Pipes and Drums Facebook page.