Pipe bands performing at Trump events
in Washington, DC, bowing to pressure from fans and even comments from members of Springsteen’s E-Street Band.
“There was definitely some hesitation to play it,” said DCFD Emerald Society Band Manager Dan Loughnane. “We are a non-political entity and we knew that agreeing wouldn’t sit well with some people. We discussed it amongst the members and we decided we were playing this to celebrate our country.”
The DCFD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums were formed in 2002, inspired by the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, and the heroism of first-responders. It has more than 50 members, all of whom are active or retired firefighters. The Emerald Society in the United States is a non-profit organization of American police officers or fire fighters of Irish heritage.
“The inauguration isn’t about who is becoming President, it is about America’s ability to peacefully elect a new leader, and that people can support or not support the new President and not be persecuted,” Loughnane added. “We asked ourselves if any other candidate had won would we play if asked and our answer was yes. We feel we are the nation’s capitol’s band and we are proud to represent the District of Columbia.”
The pipe bands are apparently not receiving a fee for performing or compensation for expenses travelling to the event. At least one of the bands has been crowdfunding to subsidize their trip.
David Clark, the former pipe-major of the now defunct Grade 1 Ayr Society has played at several Trump events in Scotland.
Pipe bands have played a part in US Presidential events at least since November 1963 when the Pipes & Drums of the Black Watch performed in John F. Kennedy’s ceremonial funeral procession, playing, among other pieces, “The Mist Covered Mountains,” reportedly Kennedy’s favourite pipe tune. More recently, the now defunct Grade 1 City of Washington performed at a 2010 St. Patrick’s Day event at the White House for President Obama.
You know, there are drug tests for athletes. If there is a hint of a substance which MAY have been administered by a third party, which MAY have been with or without the athlete’s knowledge, and which MAY have affected the outcome of the event, the governing body of the event would have stripped away the MEDAL. It’s curious, then, that a sports event should have this level of responsibility, but the most consequential government should not! I’m with Mr.Lewis on this one! As far as the pipe bands are concerned, I’m glad to see the competition bands are staying away from this event. I guess there is a measure of quality which is not just musical.