Bagpipe Tradition at Fire Department Funerals posted 1/19/2008 1:45:08 PM | 1 kudo what's this?     report abuse

fightnfire29

The tradition of bagpipes played at Fire Dept. 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 the fire departments. Factories and shops had signs reading "NINA" (No Irish Need Apply). The only jobs they could get were the ones that nobody else wanted-jobs that were dirty, dangerous or both-fire-fighters and police officers.

It was not 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 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 special air and dignity to the solemn occasion.

Associated with cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, pipe bands representing both fire and police often have more than 60 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.

Thanks to a Ohio Fire Chief, we now know and understand the bagpipes.

Hats off to all Firefighters and Police officers!!! Thank You!!!

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