Moms and music

News Article / May 10, 2019

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By Warrant Officer Katie Buckland

Mother’s Day is this Sunday.

The military is big on traditions, and fostering this history is part of the role of military Pipes and Drums. For many generations, passing on the traditions of playing the pipes or the drums was common from father to son.

This Mother’s Day, we would like to acknowledge three mothers in the 12 Wing Pipes and Drums band from Shearwater, Nova Scotia, who have passed on these traditions to their sons and daughters. Not only have the traditions been passed, they are also playing together in the same band! Seeing their mothers at an early age wear the uniform and performing in parades and events fostered a love for the tradition.

The three moms are Master Warrant Officer Karen MacLean (piper), Master Corporal Bhreagh MacDonald (bass drummer), and civilian member Heather Stone (piper). Master Warrant Officer MacLean plays alongside her daughter Pipe Major Warrant Officer Katie Buckland and son Calum MacKinnon (civilian member and piper). Master Corporal MacDonald plays in the band with her daughter Ainsley MacDonald (civilian member and tenor drummer). And Heather Stone and her 11-year-old son Alex Stone both play pipes in the band.

“Saying that a pipe band is like a family definitely rings true for us’ says Pipe Major Buckland. “We are really looking forward to all our summer events, even under the watchful eye of our moms.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, military and civilian, across Canada and around the world!