BAGPIPERS OF THE WORLD UNITED
International Association
B.O.W.U International Association gathers pipe & drum bands, soloists and members from any nations, veterans and their families, to perpetuate the values of the duty of remembrance, to pass on History and the freedom of the people.
Our vocation focuses around the two World Wars and the pipers of all periods supporting the courage of the men and women that fought for freedom.
Every year, our members from across the world meet together, to commemorate D-DAY and the memory of piper Bill Millin, who landed on Sword Beach amongst Lord Lovat's troops and the 177 French commando under Commander Kieffer.
The musicians from BOWU International association gather for commemorative, cultural and historical events in France as well as abroad.
Over 13 nations represented among our members, groups & individuals:
France, Scotland, Ireland, England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Chile, Australia...
The year 2024 will be exceptional in terms of its scale and commemorations.
B.O.W.U International is committed to offering an event on this scale on 6 June 2024.
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Programmation of the D-Day
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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.
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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