Friday, September 15, 2000
Ask a Stupid Question ...
Bagpipes at funerals go back to New York
By Jim Knippenberg
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Question: Why is it traditional to have bagpipes play at funerals for policemen and firefighters? What's the connection?
Answer: The Stupid Desk is seeing this one a lot in light of recent events. We answered it in 1997, and while we don't usually go digging around the archives, there's too much interest not to. So then ...
Back in '97 we consulted Sgt. Steve Watt of the Sheriff's Court Services division and a member of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Bagpipe and Drum Corps. His answer still works:
“In 1747, when Europeans were immigrating to the United States, many Scots and Irish arrived in New York. The Ward Master (equivalent to mayor) appointed them police officers and firefighters because their English was generally better than other Europeans.
“They brought the bagpipe tradition with them. The traditional tune back then was ""Going Home,” but the tune was changed at some unknown time to ""Amazing Grace.” It's still played today.
If you have a stupid question, send it to Ask a Stupid Question, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati OH 45202; fax: 768-8330.
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