LAST POST

Monument in Dordrecht

No,... not my last posting here on this weblog... Don't worry!

I played the "Last Post" taps at the annual national Remembrance Day or Commemoration Day last Friday (May 4).

The Remembrance Day or Commemoration Day is observed on May 4 every year to pay homage to the victims of WW II and other wars. In our city of Dordrecht this has been observed at the monument on Sumatrasquare since shortly after World War II.

Our corps has performed at this event for probably as long as our city holds this commemoration at the monument in town. Traditionally a number of snare drums lead the silent walk to the monument, joined by the mayor of Dordrecht, hif wife, representatives of the city government, former soldiers (though less and less every year) and all those who wish to take part.

At the monument our hornline played a number of chorales before the ceremony began.
At 8PM a two-minute silence was observed (this is done throughout the country) before which I played the Last Post. Mayor Mr Bandell and his wife laid a wreath at the memorial on behalf of the city, followed by a wreath laid by the president of the Committee "Oranjedag" on behalf of the former resistance movement in Dordrecht.

Jubal's hornline played two verses of our National Anthem, afyter which more wreaths were laid by people present.

Always a very emotional and memorable evening. The two minutes silence are always impressive. On a personal note I consider it a great honour playing the Last Post at this event every year. It was my 25th consecutive year playing the piece here at the monument this time.

Enjoy,

HK