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"Eleven Pipers Piping" as a theme for a NFTT post got me thinking about bagpipes and the military. When you think of military pipe bands, most people go straight to the Highland regiments of the British Army. Pipes and drums in the US are often associated more with police and fire department bands than the US Armed Forces. The US military does have a number of pipe bands, keeping the old-country traditions alive.
The most notable pipe band was the United States Air Force Pipes and Drums. Formed in 1950, this band had the privilege of marching in the funeral procession of President Kennedy, as well as playing graveside at Arlington National Cemetery.
Here is the USAF Pipes and Drums at the Jefferson Memorial in 1963.
The USAF disbanded the Pipes and Drums in 1970. The USAF Reserve organized a pipe band in 1961 that continues to this day.
The United States Naval Academy Pipes and Drums is a band whose members are part of the Brigade of Midshipmen. They perform at various events for the USNA community.
Here's a USNA Midshipman First Class piper in dress uniform.
While not an official unit of the USCG, The United States Coast Guard Pipe Band is recognized as an affiliated organization. Formed in 2001, the USCG Pipe Band performs and raises funds to support the USCG community.
Several US Army units maintain ad hoc pipe bands, as well as musicians who play the bagpipes to provide music for various functions, including military funerals.
The rich tradition of military music in the United States focuses more on brass bands and orchestral units. Sousa was, after all, the Director of the "President's Own," the USMC Band. Our heritage from Great Britain is hard to avoid, which is why bagpipes are part of many a town parade or military review. Many men and women are piped home on their final journey to the grave as well. When you hear the pipes, think of the men and women serving our country, those who already have served with honor and distinction, and those who gave their lives to protect us.
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Previous diaries in this series:
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