War of 1812 Introduces John Terence, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) MMM, CD Producer

Photo by Gary McWilliams, Ontario Visited
"Exhibitor" at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival
Interview with Mr. John Terence, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

This year the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival embarks on its’ 21^st Anniversary. The Producer of the show, John Terence, tells us in summary that … “In 1992 Canada was having its’ 125 Anniversary. The Region of Hamilton/Wentworth wanted to put together a celebration “show”. This effort was to be a “one time show”. However, when the “Region” became a “so called Mega City of Hamilton”, they decided to form a non profit organization and continue with the success of this “show”! At one point John was Chairman of this Show, but says to us that “being Chairman is not my bag, I much prefer being on the production side”! To tell you a little history about Mr. Terence, here is a bit of his biography … Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) John Terence, MMM, CD, Producer … “CWO Terence of has been actively and directly involved with the Tattoo since its inception in 1992. He was born in England and came to Canada with his parents in 1946. He began piping at the age of ten, and in 1958 joined the Pipes and Drums of The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. He was appointed its Pipe Major in 1973, a post he held until retirement from the Army Reserve in 2000. Under his leadership the band travelled extensively, including appearances at the Edinburgh Tattoo in 1974, 1986 and 2000, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, and France in 1995 and the last British Army Tattoo in Berlin, Germany in 1992. In 1999 Pipe Major Terence was appointed a Member of the Order of Military Merit in recognition of his distinguished service to the Canadian Forces and to his regiment and its Pipes and Drums. CWO Terence is married to Lynda (a Tattoo volunteer), and they have three daughters, Jeanne, Jackie and Julie, all of whom have served in the Argylls. Jackie is a drummer with the Argylls’ Pipes and Drums and Julie is a medical assistant in the Regular Force, currently serving with 1 Field Ambulance, CFB Edmonton.”  As I spoke to John, he also mentioned his daughter as a combat medic in the Rank Force is in tour in Afghanistan for 8 months, “all outside the wire”. I asked John what that meant, he tells me that “that’s were all the actions is, they are in a constant state of combat readiness”. He told me about the other dangers other than the War itself, being the environment; Camel Spiders bodies are as large as dinner plates.” It amazes me how much dedication the entire Terence family has devoted to “Canada” and our society!

(To Be Continued)