Bagpipes
The tradition of bagpipes played at fire
department and police department funerals in the United States goes back over
one hundred fifty years. When the Irish and Scottish immigrated to this country,
they brought many of their traditions with them. One of these was the bagpipe,
often played at Celtic weddings, funerals and ceilis (dances).
It wasn't until the great potato famine and massive Irish immigration to the
East Coast of the United States that the tradition of the bagpipes really took
hold in the fire department. In the 1800's, Irish immigrants faced massive
discrimination. Factories and shops had signs reading "NINA" - No Irish Need
Apply. The only jobs they could get were the ones no one else wanted - jobs that
were dirty, dangerous, or both - firefighters and police officers. It was not an
uncommon event to have several firefighters killed at a working fire. The Irish
firefighters' funerals were typical of all Irish funerals - the pipes were
played. It was somehow okay for a hardened firefighter to cry at the sound of
bagpipes when his dignity would not let him weep for a fallen comrade.
Those who have attended a funeral where bagpipes were played know how haunting
and mournful the sound of the pipes can be. The most famous song played at fire
and police funerals is Amazing Grace. It wasn't too long before families and
friends of non-Irish firefighters began asking for the bagpipes to be played for
fallen heroes. The bagpipes add a special air and dignity to this solemn
occasion.
Bagpipe bands represent both fire and police often have more than 60 uniformed
playing members. They are also traditionally known as Emerald Societies after
Ireland - the Emerald Isle. Many bands wear traditional Scottish dress while
others wear the simpler Irish uniform. All members wear the kilt and tunic,
whether it is a Scottish clan tartan or Irish single color kilt.
Today, the tradition is universal and not just for the Irish or Scottish. The
bagpipes have become a distinguishing feature of a fallen hero's funeral.