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B.E.D
1-25-71 - 9-24-05
Never Forgotten
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San
Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Bagpipe & Drum Band |
Why
the Bagpipes?
Both the Irish and Scottish branches of the Celtic tribes
played the Bagpipes.
"A dying art a century ago, bagpipe playing was revived
in large part by Irish immigrants in the New World who wanted
to preserve their culture. When firefighters wanted to salute
their fallen brethren they thought quite naturally of the
pipes, which had been played at funerals for hundreds of years.
"A big promoter of this practice over the
past half century has been the Emerald Society, an Irish fraternal
organization found at many fire departments. Many chapters
sponsor pipe-and-drum bands. Being practical folk, firefighters
use the |
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Scottish version of the bagpipes, which is louder and better
suited to outdoor use than the Irish counterpart."
The tradition of bagpipes played at fire department funerals
and parades in the United States goes back to the 1850's.
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 service. The only jobs Irish could get were the
ones no one else wanted - jobs that were strenuous, dirty
or dangerous, namely firefighters and police. It was not an
uncommon event in those days 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 or memorials 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 bagpiper to play for there
fallen heroes. The pipes add a special air and dignity to
the solemn occasion.
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Also known as “War Pipes” the sound of Pipes
and Drums can rally many hearts, uplifting spirits with marshalling
music and parade marches. In Scotland 's fight for independence,
England outlawed the Bagpipes because of the fierce pride
they inspired, and their ability to fill Scotsman with courage.
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, and marshal bands. |
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San
Diego Firefighters Emerald
Society Pipe & Drum Band
If
you are a firefighter, active or retired, living in the San
Diego area and want to be part of this inspiring Fire Department
tradition. Contact Pipe Major Doug McIlwain @ 760.613.2065
or email at… celtictunes@gmail.com No
previous music ability is required, just a desire to carry
on a fine tradition. Bagpipes, Snare, Tenor, Bass, Color guard |
Pipers: Dave Allan, Chad Allison, Ron Allison, Jennifer Anderson, Jon Atkinson, Matt
Carr, Larry Cooke, Sean Erickson, John Fisher, Patrick Hesters, Mike Johnson,
Bryan Mahon, Doug McIlwain, Ed Montgomery, Kyle O'neill, Danny Ouellette, Mark
Shtino, Marty Walsh, John Williamson
Snare
Drums: Nate Boyle-Underhill, Jimmy Gallager, Pat Giannetto, Dave Scigliano
.
Tenor
drum: Melissa Cleary, Dan King, Jenny McIlwain
Bass
Drum: Steve Hildebran, Dennis Rogers
Color
Guard: Roberto Adame, Mike Merrikan, Shannon Mueller, Bill Waugeman
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