It has become increasingly popular for U.S. military veterans and their families to specifically request a piper to not only pipe for a funeral, but to pipe Taps for the rendering of military honors as well. Funerals for law enforcement and fire personnel in the United States have a long tradition of incorporating pipers and military honors, and most departmental funerary protocols closely follow those of the U.S. military. The following is a brief general outline of what to expect and what will be expected of you as a member of an honor guard when playing Taps.
You should be well
prepared before the funeral, your pipes should be well tuned, well set up,
steady, and reliable. Paramilitary band
uniforms, appearance, and instrument should meet or exceed the military
standards as outlined in British or Canadian Army regulations for pipers.
Civilian dress should look equally neat and presentable; jacket brushed,
metalwork polished, leather waxed, and kilt pleats and glengarry ribbons
pressed; every bit as squared away as a military uniform. A homemade kilt in MacWal-Mart tartan with athletic socks and a JC
Penny blazer definitely won't cut it. You'll need decent enough kit to look respectable standing
alongside Marines in their Class A's. However, do
not wear a Prince Charlie and bow tie unless all the other members of the funeral party are in tuxedos and evening
gowns. Active duty or retired
military personnel and members of the VFW or American Legion may wear their
uniforms. Police, EMS, and fire personnel uniform should conform to agency
guidelines; when in doubt check with your departmental chaplain prior to
arrival. It is completely beyond my comprehension that this even needs to be
said, but unfortunately it does; the wearing of military uniform and insignia
to which you have not earned the right is extremely offensive to those who have.
It’s unconscionable, grossly inappropriate, and in some situations can be
physically dangerous (in my opinion, rightly so).
Do not humiliate yourself, dishonor the decedent, and deeply
offend their friends and family by “playing soldier”.
Under absolutely no
circumstances should you be late, so plan ahead; taking traffic, weather, and
road conditions into account. You should report to the funeral site well prior
to the designated time and report immediately to the Officer In Charge (OIC) or
Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC). If piping at a National
cemetery, it will probably be very busy; check in at the gate, and make sure
they know that you need to precede the family to the site in order to coordinate
with the honor guard. For a military funeral, at a
minimum there will be two uniformed active duty military personnel assigned to
the Military Funeral Honors detail, at least one of which will be from the
decedent’s branch of service. The highest ranking of the two will be the
NCOIC. There may also be a color guard and/or firing detail made up of veterans from
the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. Fire, EMS, and police honor
guards will also have a team leader or ranking officer in charge. Always
check in and coordinate with this person. Regardless of anything written herein,
the OIC/NCOIC is in charge of the ceremony and is to be considered the
authoritative source of protocol.
Generally speaking,
when you're attached to a detail, the leader of that detail will render all
salutes. However, there are some points in some funerals when the entire company
present will be called to Attention to Present Arms. As always, when in doubt,
check with the NCOIC/OIC. Regardless of
uniform, if you are not, nor have you ever been, enlisted in the military, you
are by definition a civilian, and you will therefore render all hand
salutes by placing your right hand over your heart. The one and only
exception to this is uniformed civilian fire, EMS, and police personnel, who
should conform to their departmental protocols. Just remember to listen, watch,
and follow the lead of the OIC/NCOIC and honor guard (unless you’re actively
piping); if they come to Attention, so do you, if they salute, so do you. If
they uncover, so do you, if they come to Parade Rest, so do you. Most drill
commands are given in two parts; the preparatory command, and the command of
execution (for example; Present…Arms). When your cue is the execution
of a two-part command, go on the command of execution, not the
preparatory command (i.e. Arms). The piper of an honor guard is a highly
ceremonial role; solo pipers who haven’t had much exposure to drill should
seek to learn some from a Drum Major of a local band if at all possible, and
practice some basic drill movements with pipes, such as Parade Rest, Attention,
Pipes Ready, and Pipes Down.
Remember
always that this is a very solemn ceremony and a responsibility to be
taken very seriously, and this should be reflected in every aspect
of your demeanor and deportment at all times from the first moment of
your arrival until your departure from the site.
CHURCH SERVICE
If piping for a
church service at a civilian facility, uncover upon entering the chapel unless
piping the casket in. Uncover and remain uncovered throughout the service unless
actively piping. Generally follow the lead of the honor guard; they will uncover
and remain uncovered until time to render military honors. If there is any
doubt, check with the officiant beforehand. No weapons of any type should be
worn in church; this includes skian dubhs.
Just
before the ceremony begins, if not piping the remains in, stand outside by the
officiant and OIC/NCOIC or wherever they designate, and salute (If
you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) along with them as the remains are brought out of the hearse and
into the church. If piping the remains in, the OIC/NCOIC will usually call the
assembled company to Attention; your cue to execute Pipes Ready; and then
Present… Arms as the casket is withdrawn; that is your cue to strike
in. You may or may not have been requested to enter the church with the honor
guard or casket team, or to play a tune during the service. If you’ve been
requested to remain outside until the end of the service, end your tune as the
casket enters the chapel, and remember that you are
still actively engaged in a funeral detail, and maintain the solemnity and
dignity of the ceremony.
Casket: If not
piping, be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart)
as the pallbearers make a
five step formal turn with the casket.
Urn: If not piping, be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) after the pallbearers have retrieved the remains and are standing with the other pallbearers, when you hear the command "Ready… Step".
It is
not uncommon to pipe the remains out of the church at the conclusion of the
service; coordinate with the OIC/NCOIC as to whether they want you to lead,
follow, or stand aside. Once outside, stand to the left, near the hearse or
apparatus. If already outside, the OIC/NCOIC will usually call the assembled
company to Attention (execute Pipes Ready), and then Present… Arms as
the casket emerges; that is your cue to strike in. When you cut off, execute
Pipes Down and render a hand salute (If
you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart). After
the remains are secured, drop your salute (take your cue from the OIC/NCOIC) and
move to a position predetermined by the OIC/NCOIC, and stand at Attention or
Parade Rest; follow the lead of
the OIC/NCOIC.
If
not marching to the gravesite with the hearse or apparatus, be prepared to come to Attention and
render a hand salute as it moves out. (If
you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart).
If
marching in a funeral procession, the piper (or band) will traditionally lead
the marching element right behind the color guard; coordinate with the OIC/NCOIC.
When
the OIC/NCOIC
begins to move along the hearse or apparatus to the front, they will
salute. If you are not directly attached to the detail but will be a lone
piper, salute (If
you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart)
as
you move past the hearse or apparatus to the front as well, dropping the salute
when in front of the flag draped coffin (when marching with a band, the Drum
Major will render the salute). Move to a point in well in front of the
marching element in order to take your place in the funeral procession, directly
behind the color guard.
If it is a funeral with cremains or memorial service without remains, you will sound Taps on completion of the service and at a prearranged signal by the OIC/NCOIC or officiant. Usually, the flag will be encased and displayed upon the altar or stand. Usually, the honor guard will unfold the flag and hold it outstretched as you play Taps. When the flag bearers come to Attention and the flag comes taut, that is your cue to strike in. Start off on the first note; Low A, just like a bugler. Regardless of what you may have been told or how you may have been taught, in this instance do NOT sound an E pick-up note! After sounding Taps, execute Pipes Down. After the flag is folded, the bearer will turn and present the folded flag to the OIC/NCOIC. They will salute the bearer with the flag and take the flag with their left hand on top and their right hand on the bottom, and stand while the bearer salutes the flag. When the bearer drops his salute, they will wait until the bearer is dismissed and then go to the next of kin (normally seated on the left front seat) and present the flag, or present it to the officiant or ranking officer, who will present it to the family. After presenting the flag, they will salute.
GRA
Unless piping the casket to the gravesite, you will stand at Attention and render a hand salute as the casket is carried to the gravesite (as a general rule, salute whenever the flag is in motion and you are standing still; take your cue from the OIC/NCOIC and follow their lead on when to drop your hand). If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart. If you must move in front of the flag, salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) as you walk past the flag draped casket. If you're indoors, simply stand at attention.
Casket: be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) as the pallbearers make a five step formal turn with the casket.
Urn: be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) after the pallbearers have retrieved the remains and are standing with the other pallbearers, when you hear the command "Ready… Step".
You may be
called upon to pipe the remains to the graveside. This
will of course have been coordinated well beforehand with the officiant and OIC/NCOIC.
Strike in as the casket is removed from the hearse. Stand at Attention facing the casket as it is being withdrawn from the hearse,
execute a proper About Face, and march the casket to the gravesite,
about 60 steps per minute, stepping off on the left foot on the first note of
the first part. When you arrive at the gravesite, veer off to your prearranged
position for the service, then turn and face the gravesite. You should position
yourself near the gravesite, alongside the firing party.
In any event you should take care to stand in a location where the sound
will carry to the funeral party and where you can be seen by the next of kin. You should be facing
the casket. End your tune as the casket is placed upon the lowering device. Stand at Parade Rest during the funeral service; follow the lead of
the OIC/NCOIC and
firing party. You may be called upon to play a short tune, usually after the
opening prayer. This will of course have been coordinated well beforehand with
the officiant, and you will take your cue from them. For a Fire service funeral,
there may be a ringing of the bell, three times, three rings each, signifying
the end of an alarm. For air personnel, there may be a fly-over in a missing man
formation.
When a firing party is not available, you will sound Taps upon completion of the service and at a prearranged signal from the OIC/NCOIC or officiant. Usually, the honor guard will hold the flag outstretched over the coffin as you play Taps. When the flag bearers come to attention and the flag comes taut, that is your cue to strike in. Start off on the first note; Low A. Do NOT sound an E pick-up note! After sounding Taps, execute Pipes Down. After the flag is folded, the bearer will turn and present the folded flag to the OIC/NCOIC. They will salute the bearer with the flag and take the flag with their left hand on top and their right hand on the bottom, and stand while the bearer salutes the flag. When the bearer drops his salute, they will wait until the bearer is dismissed and then go to the next of kin (normally seated on the left front seat) and present the flag, or present it to the officiant or ranking officer, who will present it to the family. After presenting the flag, they will salute.
ATTENTION
On the command of execution ‘TION, bring heels
together with feet at approximately 45o. Do not lock your knees.
As blood pools in your lower extremities, it is possible to pass out if your
locked knees inhibit venous return. Pipe bag tucked underneath your left elbow,
with bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your left hand, palm upward. Bass
drone should be perfectly horizontal and 90o from your body. Right
hand at your side thumb
resting along the first joint of the forefinger, hand cupped (but not clenched
as a fist) with palm facing your leg. Stand erect, shoulders
square, eyes straight ahead. DO NOT MOVE, FIDGET, OR LOOK AROUND! If you’re in
this position for a while, very slightly flex your knees, wiggle your
toes, shift your weight, etc. to keep circulation going, as long as it’s
imperceptible to bystanders.
PARADE REST
From the position of Attention, on the command of execution REST,
move the left foot about 10 inches to the left of the right foot, about shoulder
width apart. Keep the legs straight without locking the knees, resting the
weight of the body equally on the heels and balls of the feet. Simultaneously,
place the right hand at the small of your back, fingers outstretched. Pipe
bag remains tucked underneath your left elbow, with bass drone, chanter, and
blowstick in your left hand, palm upward. Bass drone should be perfectly
horizontal and 90o from your body. Stand erect, shoulders square,
eyes straight ahead. DO NOT MOVE, FIDGET, OR LOOK AROUND! If you’re in this
position for a while, very slightly flex your knees, wiggle your toes,
shift your weight, etc. to keep circulation going, as long as it’s
imperceptible to bystanders.
STAND AT EASE
From the position of Attention, on the command of execution EASE, you
may relax and move around, as long as your left foot doesn’t move. Keep
silent.
STAND EASY
You may relax and move around, as long as your left foot doesn’t move.
You may talk quietly.
PIPES READY
From the position of Attention, on the command of execution Ready, draw
your pipes forward in front of you,
bass drone perfectly horizontal and 90o from your body, bass drone,
chanter, and blowstick in your left hand palm upward, grasp bass drone, chanter,
and blowstick in your right hand, and then smoothly swing them up into playing
position. Rotate the chanter down into playing position in your left hand; bag
tucked in under left upper arm, blowstick in your mouth. Drop your right hand to
your side, eyes straight ahead.
PIPES DOWN
From the position of Pipes Ready (in playing position on your shoulder,
chanter in your hand and blowstick in your mouth), on the command of execution DOWN,
with the right hand, rotate the
chanter and blowstick up to the bass drone, grasping all three. Bring the pipes
down in front of you, bass drone perfectly horizontal and 90o from
your body, grasping the bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your left hand
palm upward with your right hand palm downward on top of the bass drone. Draw
the pipes straight back tucking the bag under your left elbow and then dropping
your right hand to your right side. Eyes straight ahead.
PRESENT ARMS
From the position of Attention, on the command of execution ARMS,
a civilian will bring their right hand up to their heart, palm inward, fingers
extended and close together. Pipe
bag remains tucked underneath your left elbow, with bass drone, chanter, and
blowstick in your left hand, palm upward.
ORDER ARMS
From the position of Present Arms, on the command of execution Arms,
drop your right hand to your side, and resume the position of Attention.
ABOUT FACE
From Attention or Pipes Ready, on the command of execution Face, place your right toe about
10” behind and slightly to the left of where the right heel was. With your
weight evenly on the ball of your right foot and left heel, turn smartly around
to your right. Done properly, you should still be at Attention or Pipes Ready
facing the opposite direction.
CADENCE
A funeral march is 60 beats per minute.
3rd US Infantry Regt.
Arlington Cemetery
http://www.msu.edu/unit/milsci/fm22_5.pdf
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/index.htm
www.iaff.org/safe/content/LODD/funeralprotocol.html
www.thecounselingteam.com/doc/Chapter4.doc
www.legion.org/rtf/funeral_honors.rtf
http://ohiocops.com/manual/entiresite.html
http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq85-1.htm
http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/faqpage.html
http://www.sfcav.org/LODD/VFCA%20Honor%20Guard%20Manual.htm
http://www.affihonorguard.com/guidelines.htm
http://www.tapsbugler.com
http://www.drummajor.net/Pipes/Vocal/index.htm
http://1stbattalion3rdmarines.com/Drill-Manual.htm
http://www.usma.edu/Protocol/images/p600_60.pdf
