Pipe band arriving to the village Monument to the Dead (click to enlarge).
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Badge of the United Mineworkers Federation of Australia Pipe Band. July 21th of 2001 was certainly one of the last big events in Hamel. The Pipe Band already knew the village : it was involved in the July 4th of 1998 inauguration. After saving money and getting various supports, pipers had the chance to start a new tour in Europe and so visiting Australian memory places. Among the followers, there was their guide, well known in Hamel : general Kevin O'Brien now retired. He was at the origin of Hamel Memorial Park and had supervised works. So he had for longly explore the village and surroundings, where people appreciate him and where he made many friends. Pipers marched in the village to the Memorial Park. They halted to Monument to the Dead and payed hommage to the village war deads. They layed there a flower wreath. At the Memorial Park, under a little rain, a souvenir ceremony took place : speeches of the Australians and of Hamel mayor, wreath laying and the so special music of bagpipes echoing in the Monument ceremonial space... Musicians and procession with them then went back to the Town Hall square. Weather has improved and so the spectators enjoyed a little concert. The afternoon finished with a reception in the school yard where the Australians and the French locals made better acquaintance.
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