advertisement

Local bagpipers commemorate World War I

Before the break of dawn on Sunday, Nov. 11, three young men stood in the cold at the foot of Naperville's Doughboy sculpture and played "When the Battle's O'er" on their bagpipes.

In doing so, they joined more than 2,500 pipers around the world who played the song at 6 a.m., commemorating the signing of the armistice and the end of World War I exactly 100 years ago.

The musicians - Adam Bryant and Brandon Zears from Naperville and Andre Ciesla from Chicago - are members of the Medinah Highlanders, a highland pipe and drum band affiliated with the Medinah Shrine Temple.

According to Brandon Zears, he and his friends heard about this international commemoration through a fellow bagpiper and thought it would be fun to do.

"Adam is a vet - a former Marine," Brandon said. "We all have family members who served in the military, and we support our veterans."

Brandon grew up in Naperville and was aware of the Doughboy sculpture in Burlington Square Park.

He said, "Since it was a World War I tribute, we chose to play at the sculpture commemorating those who served in that war."

The worldwide effort, "Battle's Over - A Nation's Tribute," was organized by Pageantmaster Bruno Peek and the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland.

During the First World War, American soldiers were affectionately known as "doughboys."

Naperville's sculpture, "Spirit of the American Doughboy," was created by E. M. Viquesney in 1920. The sculptor was determined to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the American men who fought for democracy in Europe.

These courageous men endured brutal conditions in the Great War, thought to be "the War to End All Wars," and tens of thousands died. At least 135 copies of Viquesney's Doughboy sculpture, named the official World War I National Memorial by The American Legion, are located in cities across the nation.

Naperville's sculpture was originally dedicated in 1926, a gift from American Legion Post 43 to honor the young Naperville men who died in that war. Although the Doughboy fell into disrepair, the community raised funds and restored the sculpture, rededicating it in 2003.

The selection of music played in Naperville and around the world on Sunday morning is touching and historical.

"When the Battle's O'er" is a traditional Scottish retreat march composed by Pipe Major William Robb (1863-1909) and was played by pipers as they returned to their quarters after battles finished. Throughout history, bagpipers often raised the morale of fighting troops during battle. Retreat marches called the soldiers to return to their companies after battle to answer to their names at roll call.

In 1961, singer Andy Stewart added lyrics to the tune, providing this heart-rending chorus: "March no more my soldier laddie,

There is peace where there once was war.

Sleep in peace my soldier laddie,

Sleep in peace, now the battle's over."

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.