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Sally Craik, pictured at the Vauxhall Yacht Club yesterday, will play at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington for the 80th anniversary of D- Day. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON Sally Craik will pipe the international tune The Battles O’er at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington on June 6, leading the 80th anniversary of D-Day’s worldwide commemorations. Ms Craik said she had been preparing for this event for nearly a year.

She had previously performed at Larnach Castle for the Queen. "I have had to practise several hours every week", she said. "The tune we are playing is very traditional; the emotions that come from the sound of the bagpipes is really beautiful.



" "It’s going to be exciting leading the call." On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, known as Operation Overlord or D-Day. This monumental offensive on the beaches of Normandy marked a turning point in World War 2, paving the way for the eventual liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation.

Ms Craik said she was humbled to be able to pay tribute to its history. "The bagpipes have such a resonant sound; this is a real opportunity for them to be heard. "I'm quite nervous and excited; it’s also an opportunity to pay tribute to my Scottish heritage.

" As night descends over the Allied nations, the sound of bagpipes will be played in the capital cities on June 6 at 9.10pm, starting in Wellington and then on to Canberra, London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Washington DC, Otta.

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