March 19, 2024
The Tradition of The Bagpipes and The Fire Service
Updated On: Jun 23, 2007

Bagpipe Tradition

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 ceils (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.


Member Login
Username:

Password:


Not registered yet?
Click Here to sign-up.

Forgot Your Login?
Important Links
Visit www.iaff.org/!
Visit www.upffa.org!
Visit WWW.FIREHOUSE.COM!
Visit WWW.iafflocals.net!
Visit www.ct.gov/cfpc/site/default.asp!
Visit www.wildlandfire.com/!
Visit www.dhs.gov/index.shtm!
Visit www.fema.gov/!
Visit www.mda.org!
Visit www.mesotheliomawatch.org/category/asbestos-and-firefighters/!

Click for Farmington, Connecticut Forecast

Action Center
IAFF Line of Duty Deaths
IAFF LODD Announcements
IAFF Financial Corporation
IAFF Members Financial Services
IAFF Local Newswire
Join the Newswire!
Updated: Oct. 26 (11:05)
Local 2720 Thinks Pink
Country Club Hills Firefighters Union Local 2720
10.26.10
Orders for DFD Pink Shirts now open!
IAFF 858
10.26.10
SUPPORT NEEDED FOR ELECTIC BOAT CAPTAIN SCOTT DEWOLFE
New London Fire Fighters
10.26.10
NLFF'S THANK BLU PRINTS UNLIMITED AND STUDIO 33
New London Fire Fighters
10.26.10
Nw Jersey Binding Arbitration Issues
Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association
10.26.10
FF PETE LYNCH, VFW FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
New London Fire Fighters
10.26.10
Site Search
Site Map
RSS Feeds
Contact Congress!
 Enter Zip code:
 
Visit Unions-America.com!
 Top of Page © Copyright 2024, Farmington Fire Fighters Association, All Rights Reserved.
Powered By UnionActive™
Hide the Right Hand Column