Lest We Forget. Thank You Veterans!
During our first few years at Davis Farmers Market a local piper, rancher, and Korean War veteran by the name of George Knutsen - https://www.davisenterprise.com/local-news/bagpiper-extraordinaire-has-traveled-the-world/ - used to come by our stall for a chat and a tune. At 80 years of age, he had seen some things and would tell tales (some real, some VERY tall) about his exploits in ranching and as a veteran. One particular story of his stands out as he often told me of his privileged position playing the pipes at the prisoner of war exchanges at the end of the Korean war in 1952. Often his more recent stories ended with the common phrase, "and then I found $50!", but it was his passion for piping and the obvious pride he had for serving his country that really stood out. It was George, who would show up almost every Saturday and play short bursts of tunes between stories as his 80-year-old fingers and the pipes would allow. George reminded me of the older guys in the Pipe Band I grew up playing in, the same stories, the same willingness to spend time with younger pipers, and the same twinkle in their pale, watery eyes. It's because of George and his dedication to the pipes, their music, and the occasions of remembrance and celebration they are tied to, that I took up the pipes again after a 15-odd -year hiatus. Thank him, or curse him, it was his inspiration that reminded me that I am, in fact, a dad, a husband, a farmer, and a piper. Ever since my first "turn oot" with the band at the Armistice Day service in my home village as a 9 or 10 year old, I have known the importance of remembering the men and women who served to protect the freedoms we now enjoy and it is my honor to provide what small solace my pipes can offer to those who are left to remember them.
George passed away in August 2019 at the age of 86. Remembering him and his service today.
Lest We Forget
