BAGPIPERS OF THE WORLD UNITED
International Association
B.O.W.U International brings together pipe & drum bands, soloists, and families to honor the duty of remembrance, pass on history, and celebrate the freedom of nations.
Our commitment focuses on World War II and the heroism of the bagpipers, who were on the front lines supporting those who fought for freedom.
Every year, our members from around the world gather to commemorate the Normandy landings and pay tribute to Bill Millin, the first bagpiper of June 6, 1944, who landed on Sword Beach with Lord Lovat's troops and the French commandos of Kieffer.
B.O.W.U International embodies living memory through commemorative, cultural, and historical events that bring our members together and celebrate oursharedlegacy.
Over 13 nations represented among our members, groups & individuals:
France, Scotland, Ireland, England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Chile, Australia...
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Values & Stories...
Bill Millin's or "Piper Bill" statue stands where the Franco-British commandos landed on the morning of June 6th 1944, on Sword Beach, Colleville-Montgomery, formerly Colleville-sur-Orne. The Wn18 German defence zone was very well supported, costing many of these soldiers lives.
This statue faithfully represents Bill Millin, aged 21, as he landed, with his bagpipe and the kilt his father wore in Palestine in 1916.
Sculptor of the Bill Millin statue
Member of B.O.W.U International
(Crédit photo : Sébastien Galopin)
Bill Millin's son, John Millin, has been an honorary member of BOWU International association since its creation.
Whenever it is possible, accompanied by his own son Jacob Millin (Bill's grandson), John meets with all the pipers & drummers of the association to commemorate D-DAY, where his father landed on the morning of June 6th 1944.
In this photo, John poses with his father's bagpipe.
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