At funerals for fallen police officers, there is usually a bagpiper playing a funeral dirge. What is the origin of this custom? Why a bagpiper?
2006-10-28 06:01:42 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Bagpipes are part of both the Irish and Scottish cultures. Many of the Irish and Scottish emigrants became police or firemen, so it would be natural to carry on the tradition of having a piper.
Pipers would usually play a Piobreachd lament. (Beginners play it as a dirge while experienced pipers play a lament...it's a piper thing;-p )
As for why a bagpiper? Ever try to carry the church's organ or piano out to the cemetary?
2006-10-31 01:56:39 · answer #1 · answered by ironbrew 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was told one long ago it was because the number of people with Anglo heritage.
Not only do they have a bagpiper at the funeral but they also have a trumpeter.
The funerals I've attended have also had a riderless horse, helicopter flyover, and a 21 gun salute.
It's one of the saddest funerals you will ever attend.
2006-11-01 03:46:45 · answer #2 · answered by Eddie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all and sundry from the police branch would be have on their "gown Uniform" and you should gown perfect for a solemn celebration (placed on black). The officers would even have their badge "blacked out" (a black ribbon around the badge). oftentimes, there will be some speeches, in all hazard a viewing, and then a procession to the cemetery. some departments do a 21-gun salute, yet no longer all. There would additionally be a bagpipe enjoying or horns. that's going to be an particularly emotional celebration, be supportive of your boyfriend. i do no longer be responsive to all and sundry who would not "choke-up" at a police funeral. wish this facilitates.
2016-12-08 23:05:51 · answer #3 · answered by hannigan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one by where I work, this week, there were no bagpipes. But at rush hour (8 am) there were streets closed in the insurance capital two hours before the ceremony.
And each person you talked to, employees and residents, wondered who was that cop anyway, and what he did... The next day, everyone still wondered...My co-workers cracked up when I told them about the note I posted on the blog, and the derrogatory responses!
2006-10-28 06:29:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Alex is close but actually, its more Scottish than Anglo. A solo piper can evoke a range of emotions in a unique way. It is the perfect instrument for playing out of doors. Perhaps that is why the pipes are used frequently.
2006-10-28 07:07:50 · answer #5 · answered by skip 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its the traditional funeral theme for respected Anglo's, it originated in the Anglo heritage of America
2006-10-28 06:03:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Someone must be found holding the bag!
2006-10-31 21:02:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋