Pipers join massed band

Dan Greer and Pipe Major Sheila Stewart, of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders, joined 350 other pipers and drummers to form the largest massed band assembled in Canada to play at the opening ceremonies of The Invictus Games at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver on Feb. 8.

The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel, both serving and veterans. Greer described it as life-changing, an experience of a lifetime.

“Playing the pipes has taken me to many interesting places: funerals, weddings, celebrations, even a performance at Balmoral for the Queen. Nothing has been as emotional as playing for the competitors at Invictus,” said Greer. “The hope and joy that each of them carry in spite of the brokenness that they suffer is beyond comprehension.”

“Before our short performance we lined the halls of the staging areas as the teams went past, country by country. There was a palpable spirit of camaraderie, hope and sheer delight in each team… we were emotional, overwhelmed and profoundly humbled.”

Contributed photo: Beinn Gorm Highlanders’ Sheila Stewart and Dan Greer at the Invictus Games in BC.