B.O.W.U International is a French association dedicated to culture, memory and its transmission.
Rallying members and musicians from across the world, it is first and foremosta unique Pipe & Drum Band with a multiculturalist dimension, carrying the values of peace and freedom, while beingan organisational structure of memory and cultural gatherings, particularly with logistics.
Created in 2015, and reformed in 2021, B.O.W.U International is the result ofpeace by uniting musicians from over 13 nations, including some that once were enemies.
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
Rémy LAMBERT
Président
His paternal grandfather, an American, was in the Marine Corps at the end of World War II in France. He is directly linked to an old Scottish lineage from Aberdeenshire (the Fyvie from the Gordon clan), and some members of his family landed in Normandy and lost their lives there.
His maternal grandfather joined the French Resistance in 1939 before being arrested and sent to Germany for forced labor. During a sabotage mission at his "forced labor" site, he was caught and sent to a concentration camp in Lindau. He escaped in 1945, just days before the camp was liberated.
President since 2021, passionate about history and transmission, he made it his profession in his company specializing in tourist-historical engineering.
"BOWU represents a strong connection for me. To look forward, you must know and understand your roots. The duty of remembrance is therefore a close link between the past and the future, which I will always strive to protect."
Sylvie MATILE
Treasurer
As the granddaughter of a brave World War II resistance fighter, I proudly carry the memory of his commitment to freedom and justice. The recognition of my maternal grandfather's courage, alongside many other heroes, remains deeply rooted within me.
At the same time, my passion for Celtic music led me to become a founding member of the Neuchâtel Celtic Pipe Band in 2016. Our group, blending bagpipes and percussion, celebrates the richness of musical culture.
This experience has allowed me to participate in memorable events such as the June 6th commemorations. I am honored to contribute to preserving the past and the music for remembrance purposes within the BOWU association.
Maxence LEBRIS
Drum Leader
I have been playing the Scottish snare drum for about 10 years in the Pipeband Askol Ha Brug in Blain. I also play in the first category in a bagad.
Making music in a Pipeband gives me the opportunity to perform all over France and abroad. It allows me to meet new people and form friendships through music.
Participating in ceremonies and reenactments helps us remember our history and pay tribute to the veterans.
François TEL
Secretary
What drives me above all is undoubtedly the duty of remembrance and transmission, as well as the recognition for all these young people (often too young) who came, often at the cost of their lives, to liberate our country.
Not to mention my passion for the Anglo-Saxon spirit, and particularly Scotland, which led me to study the Franco-Scottish alliances in history, starting with the Auld Alliance.
It was only natural that I became drawn to the fascinating instrument of the Highland bagpipes.
My motivation is also tied to the commemorative ceremonies at highly symbolic sites, with this association that brings together people from all nationalities. We meet every year with the same pleasure and shared passion.
In short, I am proud to be part of this wonderful adventure that is BOWU.
Luc MONOD
Honorary Vice-President
In 1964, 20 years after D-Day, a 10-year-old boy went to see "The Longest Day" and its legendary piper Bill Millin, portrayed by Leslie de Laspee. He "decides" to play the bagpipes and to meet him one day...
30 years later, Bill visits him in his bookstore, accompanied by Dr. Feigelson, a Danish-born resistance fighter. The story begins.
In 2014, after a trip to Moscow, Luc decides to launch the BOWU association with the goal of uniting and coordinating the commemorations, which it will continue to do with the Pipers & Drummers from all over the world until 2019...
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