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The
tradition of bagpipes played at fire 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 pipes really
took hold in fire departments. 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 or police
officers gun down. The Irish firefighter's
and police officer's 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 pipes
when his dignity would not let him weep for a fallen comrade.
Those who have been to funerals when bagpipes play know how haunting and
mournful the sound of the pipes can be. Before too long, families and
friends of non-Irish firefighters began asking for the piper to play for
these fallen heroes. The pipes add a special air and dignity to the
solemn occasion.
Large and small cities have pipe bands representing both fire and police
that often have a full compliment of uniformed 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 pipes have come to be a distinguishing feature of a fallen hero's
funeral.
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“The
bagpipe is much used by the Irish. To its sounds, this unconquered,
fierce, and warlike people march their armies, and are encouraged to feats
of valor. With it, they also carry their dead to the grave, making such a
mournful sound, as to force the bystander to weep”. - Vincenzo Galilei,
1581 |
