A Salute to the Military at the Canadian Major Football League Championship: An Unforgettable Performance of "Amazing Grace"

On September 14th, 2024, I had the honour of performing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes as part of the Salute to the Military at the Canadian Major Football League (CMFL) Championship.

The event was held in Airdrie, Alberta, where the Calgary Gators clinched the championship title in a commanding victory against the Steel City Patriots. The game, which ended in a 44-0 blowout, was thrilling, but the emotional moments surrounding the tribute to the military made the day especially memorable for me.

As the bagpipes filled the air with the solemn and powerful notes of "Amazing Grace," the stadium fell silent in reverence. This beautiful, timeless melody has a long-standing association with military ceremonies and is often used to honour those who have served. The performance was a deeply moving experience not only for me as a musician but also for the audience, many of whom had ties to the military.

Meeting Ivanie Blondin

Honouring the Brave: A Fitting Tribute

The Salute to the Military at the CMFL Championship was a profound moment in the day's events. As we honoured the men and women who have served in Canada’s armed forces, my performance of "Amazing Grace" added a traditional and poignant layer to the ceremony. The song’s slow, graceful tempo, combined with the haunting sound of the bagpipes, created an atmosphere of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our military personnel. This tribute was a reminder of the strength and courage exhibited by those in uniform, as well as a celebration of their enduring legacy.

Meeting Speed Skating Champion Ivanie Blondin

In addition to performing at the championship, I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Ivanie Blondin, a Canadian speed skater who won gold and silver medals at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Ivanie’s remarkable athletic achievements and dedication to her sport are truly inspiring. Meeting her in person was an incredible highlight of the day, as we shared a few moments to talk about her experiences at the Olympics and the parallels between elite-level athletic performance and musical performance. Her humility and passion for representing Canada on the global stage made our encounter one I’ll always remember.

Gold and Silver!

A Day of Champions and Inspiration

Between the military salute, my performance of "Amazing Grace," and the Calgary Gators’ dominant win, the CMFL Championship was an unforgettable event. Calgary's blowout victory demonstrated their talent and teamwork, but the real champions of the day were the brave men and women of the Canadian military, whose service and sacrifice we honoured on the field. Meeting Ivanie Blondin was a bonus that made the day even more special, highlighting how athletic and artistic performances alike can inspire pride and unity within our communities.

For those interested in learning more about the event, you can read about the Calgary Gators' incredible victory here.

As a bagpiper, it was an honour to be part of such a significant occasion, blending tradition, tribute, and celebration into one unforgettable day.

Thank you to all who attended the game and to those who support our military and our athletes. It's days like this that remind me of the power of music and its ability to bring people together in reflection and celebration.