Chatham Legion 642 Pipes and Drums celebrate 80 years of playing

The Chatham Legion Branch 642 Pipes and Drums celebrated its long-storied history on Sunday that has ranged from playing for Royalty to marching in local parades on Remembrance Day and other special occasions.

The legion branch was filled with alumni and supporters of the band that has 80 years of continuous service for veterans and the community.

Current Pipe Major Walter Tomaszewski recalled meeting the band’s first Pipe Major Robert Dickie when he was a youngster learning to play the cantor.

“I’ve had that perspective of the band history from the very first pipe major,” he said.

Joining the senior band in 1969, Tomaszewski estimates he’s met about three-quarters of everyone who has ever played in the band, which he carries in his role as Pipe Major for the second oldest continuing s