Concert pays tribute to veterans
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Brandon Salutes held a free music concert at Brandon City Hall on Sunday afternoon to appreciate and remember veterans.
“A Salute to Veterans” featured performances by the Regimental Band of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, the 26th Field Regiment Pipes & Drums and others, all coming together to honour Canada’s veterans ahead of Remembrance Day.
After a few years’ hiatus, the concert made a triumphant return, drawing an enthusiastic audience that filled the hall with applause and emotion. Reviving the event was part of a broader effort to strengthen community connections with the Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Brandon Salutes chair Barry Cooper told the Sun.
The 26th Field Regiment Pipes & Drums band from Brandon performs during "A Salute to Veterans," a free concert at Brandon city hall on Sunday that was organized by Brandon Salutes to appreciate and remember veterans. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
“Brandon Salutes is really about building relationships between the City of Brandon, the Municipality of Cornwallis, our Chamber of Commerce, and our military friends at Shilo,” he said. The objective today was to salute our veterans just before November 11 and remind everyone that we are a military town.”
The concert’s highlight was the “powerful” performance by the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regimental Band, whose mix of melodies and reflective pieces moved the audience to a standing ovation.
“We were very excited about the powerful performance,” Cooper said. “They were excellent, and I think the crowd really enjoyed them. This is something we hope to build on and make even bigger next year.”
Returning to Brandon after several years was a memorable experience, Royal Winnipeg Rifles’ music director Lt. Joel Lessard told the Sun.
“It’s our first time performing at the concert,” Lessard said. “But the cheers, whoops and standing ovation said it all. There’s already talk of bringing it back and making it happen again.”
He said beyond entertainment, the music provided an opportunity for reflection.
“It’s important to take time to think about what we do, why we do it and the people around us,” he said. “Music gives us that chance to reflect on what we have — and not take it for granted.”
Cooper encouraged residents to continue supporting veterans and active members of the military community.
“I encourage everyone to come out on November 11,” he said. “Take a moment to think about and recognize the sacrifice and service of our military friends.”
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The Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regimental Band performs during Sunday’s “A Salute to Veterans” concert. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
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