Members of the Thunder Bay Pipes and Drums are making noise for the association’s centennial anniversary.
The group originally formed in 1912 was later officially recognized as what was then the City of Fort William’s pipe band. The name changed to the Thunder Bay Pipes and Drums following the Port Arthur and Fort William amalgamated.
For years the members played at various events throughout the city from funerals to festivals.
The group played at the Grey Cup Parade in Toronto in 1970, greeted Queen Elizabeth when she visited in 1972 and even went as far as Calgary to pipe at the stampede.
In order to celebrate the 100th anniversary, the group plans to erect a pyramid shaped cement structure called a cairn. The monument will be located next to the Scottish statute at the city’s Friendship Garden.
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Don Murray, co-president of the Thunder Bay Pipes and Drums, and other band members were already pouring in some of the cement on Thursday. He said they have to have it completed by Aug. 5 in order to unveil it.
He said the monument was a good way to honour all the years of service the pipe band has accomplished.
“This dedicates it to all the members for their contribution to 100 years of service to the community,” Murray said.
“There needed to be some kind of memorial. How many organizations last for a hundred years? I think this is pretty great that his pipe band has lasted that long.”
Murray, who has been a member for the past 50 years, said the group is tight knit and became close as a result of all the traveling.
He added that the pipes are a powerful musical instrument able to bring out the emotions in anyone and that has helped keep the band viable throughout the years.
The band has foot the bill for the cairn and expects it will cost less than a $1,000 to put in.
The public can visit the band’s website for more information about upcoming festivities.
