The Piper and The Lament

Photo Credit The Royal Canadian Legion/National Remembrance Day Ceremony

By Nujma Bond

Perhaps one of the most memorable, even emotional parts of Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada each November, is when “The Lament” is played using one of the most well-known Scottish instruments: the bagpipes. It was the case once again this November 11 when it was played during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Versions of a lament can be found in several cultures, and can be used at various times including at funerals. Various other traditional melodies can be played, such as "Sleep, Dearie, Sleep" (also having lyrics in Gaelic and Scots); but The Lament’s main symbolic purpose at Remembrance Day ceremonies is to represent the sad sounds of spouses and children crying over their lost loved ones.

The act of playing an instrumental Scottish Lament reportedly has its roots in Scottish military history, and is related to a battle in the 1700’s. It is thought to have originated with a piper who composed a musical piece, after experiencing the feeling that he would not return from battle.

A common version played today at remembrance ceremonies is “Flowers of the Forest” which has an interesting history as a Scottish folk tune and war poem. Essentially, it mourns the defeat at a battle in the 1500’s, but was not recorded until two centuries later. It reflects the sorrow of those left behind.

When featured at Remembrance Day ceremonies, the playing of The Lament is a time of deep reflection about the sacrifices made by Fallen Canadian Veterans, for the freedoms we enjoy in this country today.

The Lament is usually followed by a bugler playing The Rouse, which was originally used to wake soldiers. The ceremonial Rouse symbolizes the waking of the Fallen so they can rise above what were their mortal duties, and rest in peace.