I consider it one of my highest honors to be asked to perform for Funerals, Memorial Services, or Wakes. The solemn and emotionally powerful playing of the Great Highland Bagpipes when a dear one is laid to rest is a tradition as old as the Highland Pipes themselves.
Grieving is always a difficult time for family and friends, though I can tell you, the bagpipes do offer solace to the soul and a comfort to grieving hearts like no other instrument can. It allows the healing process to begin by touching and releasing those deepest of emotions, beyond words, that only a piper’s music can communicate.
The ancient belief was that when the bagpipes were played in mourning, they were actually loud enough so as to be heard in Heaven, thus summoning that loved one’s ancestors to gather ’round and welcome the departed home.
This emotional sentiment is best summed up with the most often requested “Amazing Grace”. Most services are concluded with your Piper performing the emotional farewell:”Goin’ Home”. This tune is played as the piper turns from those present, and walks toward the horizon. The music fades away into the distance.
There are a number of other appropriate tunes that may be performed for these occasions and I do honor all requests that are capable of being transposed and played on the bagpipes. If you need assistance I will be here for you.
I may be called on to perform at any time or place during the service, including outside for arriving mourners, leading the procession for the final journey, and of course, the graveside service conclusion. I am available on very short notice and will remain sensitive to your needs during this difficult time.
Memorials
Memorials carry the same weight as a Funeral, but with the passing of time, those concerned have much more time to consider what they would like to say, and how they would like to honor those that have passed on. If they were Military, Police, Fire Fighters, or other First Responders, there are traditions that should be adhered to, and the addition of a Scottish Ceremonial Piper makes the event much more memorable and solemn to those in attendance. This allows them the opportunity to say goodbye with an honor that too few receive. Because I am Scottish and served in the United States Air Force, I am all too aware of the care that should be observed on such occasions, and I am honored to be able to serve friends and Families in this way. (I would add that one needn’t be Military or even Celtic to receive the same care and attention from me.)
Lying In State and Arlington Cemetery
Funeral Bagpiper Ohio
It is customary for some members of Government, and the Military as well as a select few to be honored by having a Guard posted at either end of the Casket during Funerals. I have served in this capacity before and I offer this service to anyone who may require or request that it be so.
Similarly, if you have a loved one that is to be re-interred at Arlington Cemetery, I am available for travel and would be honored to serve your needs. (The Staff Piper was removed as part of a Government Cut Back during the Obama Administration.)
Soldiers plant flags in front of every tombstone on Memorial Day weekend.
On every Memorial Day weekend since 1948, troops in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment—the Army’s official ceremonial unit known as the “Old Guard”—have placed small American flags in front of all of Arlington’s tombstones. Each flag is planted precisely one foot in front of a grave marker and perfectly centered. This year, 1,700 soldiers participated in the tradition known as “Flags-In.” They planted approximately 220,000 flags on the Thursday evening before Memorial Day, and they will be removed at the holiday’s conclusion.
