2007-01-23 06:16:14 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
As a bagpiper, Amazing Grace is NOT the favorite tune of most pipers to play. Traditionally, it should be a Piobreachd Lament, or Flowers of the Forest, or Lochaber no more. Most often, it is not the military playing the tune although there are military pipers. Usually, the family makes contact with a local piper and AG is requested because they hear it all the time. Personally, I prefer to play something like GlenGarry's Lament graveside or Going Home in the church although I do my share of AG.
2007-01-23 08:13:18 · answer #1 · answered by ironbrew 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why Amazing Grace or why on the bagpipes?
I'm not actually sure, but aside from Taps on the bugle, there's nothing more synonymous with mourning or more moving, at least to me, than the sound of Amazing Grace coming from a set of bagpipes. The only other instrument I've ever heard that sounds as potentially solemn and sorrowful is an Alp Horn.
The Wikipedia link below only mentions that they are often used, it doesn't say why. I'm going to go with tradition as the answer, but WHAT tradition is still up for debate.
2007-01-23 06:23:51 · answer #2 · answered by desiderio 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The US military plays "Taps" on either a trumpet or a bugle at all military funerals as a part of the prescribed order of events. If any other song is played, it is done so at the request of the family of the deceased.
A lone bagpiper plays "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes as a part of the funeral for fallen police officers. This is a tradition which is carried on nationwide; as for its roots, I have no idea.
2007-01-23 07:09:31 · answer #3 · answered by Team Chief 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have only heard of it as a tradition for fallen police officers. Because many are of Irish (or is it Scottish) decent. The lone bagpiper does represent something but (to the horror of my great aunt) I cannot remember. I do know that they usually start on a certain side of town and go to the other, like North to South, or something like that. They walk slowly through town. It is done, before the funeral or wake begins. There is a specific representation but I am at a loss as to what. May my family forgive me!
2007-01-23 09:10:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what group of people or tradition that you are talking about, but I don't think that Amazing Grace on bagpipes is a funeral thing - not a military thing. The traditional military salute to fallen comrades is the three volley rifle salute and folded union jack to the widow or closest family member.
2007-01-23 06:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by autonomous 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The death of a soldier is horrible, it's a tribute to them to play bad music on horrible sounding instruments. Bagpipes aren't the closest sounding instrument to crying, but they are much louder than violins.
2007-01-23 06:30:59 · answer #6 · answered by Doug G 5 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Wishful thinking. It's by election. At least they know that much even if they don't qualify.
2007-01-23 06:21:16 · answer #7 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is probably a tradition.
2007-01-23 06:19:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its either that or the Scottish national anthem.
2007-01-23 06:27:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Because playing it on the kazoo would sound tacky.
2007-01-23 06:22:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋