Phred has Passed, the Prayer Pups join our family & funeral news (pg. 13)

[ChrisH]

Thank you Staci. {{hugs}} Lots of LES stuff flowing here.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Thank you Staci! I kept our Phred in my prayers all day yesterday. I bet he had a front row seat and enjoyed it all.

One thing I've always wondered, why do they play bagpipes at firemens funerals? They even do that here now. I think it's lovely. I just wondered why.

[shais_mom]

I am not really sure - I will have to research it - but I know they said that his funeral was a lot of "firsts" The first they'd ever had bagpipes and actually the first that they used a military like formation and they practiced it and practiced it b/c they knew that they wanted to do it right and for John/Phred they HAD better do it right b/c he ran a very tight ship!
Carrie and I were talking to the Chief and we said "this is our first Fireman's funeral like this we'd never seen it before" And he said "yea ours too" chuckled and walked out the door. Well, I thought he was joking but in talking to Joan it WAS true. They had never done it in formation quite like that before. The back of the church was lined with about 20 firemen all in their dress blues and they stood with military precision. When stories were being told, and I told about my LA Firemen story the crowd was laughing and chuckling but none of the firemen cracked a smile, but as he was escorted down the aisle at the church several of them either had tears in their eyes or had tears running down their faces. The young girl that carried his helmet down the aisle ahead of the casket was quite emotional. He had sooooo many people that loved him.

[Taz_Zoee]

LES here again.
How could you not love Phred? He was the kindest man I've never met. Gosh, how I wish I could have met him. I always dreamed about going to one of the Findlay gatherings, partly just to meet him.
The day will come that I will get to meet him. I'm sure he will greet each one of us at the bridge with our babies that are there waiting for us.

[shais_mom]

Question: Why are bagpipes a part of funerals, especially firefighter and police funerals?
Answer: The history of funeral bagpipes is a fairly simple (though very sad) one. In traditional Celtic cultures, including both the Irish and Scottish cultures, bagpipes were an important part of a traditional funeral. After the Great Potato Famine of the mid-1840s, Irish immigrants came to the United States in huge numbers. Due primarily to racism and xenophobia, Irish people were often allowed to apply for only the most dangerous and difficult jobs, including the jobs of firefighter and police officer.

Work-related deaths for firemen and cops were not uncommon, and when one or more of these deaths would occur, the Irish community would hold a traditional Irish funeral, including the mournful bagpipes. Over the years, this tradition spread to firefighters and police officers who were not of Irish descent.

So if it's an Irish tradition, why are the Scottish bagpipes used?

In short, it's because the Scottish highland bagpipes are significantly louder than the traditional Irish uillean pipes. Though it's likely that either or both types of pipes were used at funerals in the 1800s, the Scottish highland pipes are now almost universally used.

Where do they find bagpipers to play at firefighter and police officer's funerals?

Fire and police departments in most major cities have a special brigade, usually as a division of an Irish fraternal group called The Emerald Society, who learn to play bagpipes and drums for the very purpose of honoring their fallen comrades. In some places, civilians may be members of the pipe and drum band, but generally, the members are active or retired firefighters and police officers.

[shais_mom]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVNKSUEEJVE

[rosethecopycat]

I am just seeing this thread.

Godspeed Phred.

You helped me keep a 'childlike' perspective on life that will continue on.

You will always be remembered.

[Grace]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVNKSUEEJVE

Thank you, Staci. Major LES here.

[Freckles]

Staci, that 4th video is excellent. Sound was good and you must have used a tripod. Minister's remembrances of Phred were perfect.
Could hear you chuckling a few times.

[Cataholic]

Thanks for posting these, Staci. The last one, especially, was wonderfully sad to absorb.

[Bengalz]

Staci,

Thank you for all you have done to include us in this memorable tribute to Phred. Without your thoughtfulness, we would have missed very special moments. Phred provided us with so many special moments - it is only right that we share and respect his special moment - a life well lived and a man truly loved and respected.

Thank you for giving us all that moment.

Rest in Peace dear Phred and know you will never be forgotten.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I tried to watch the memorial service but when I saw the empty fireman's outfit I just couldn't do it.
Be at peace now dear Phred.

[Randi]

Watching the Memorial video I had to go get some more tissues - it was a wonderful service. Thank you for sharing this special moment. I'm glad some of you could be there.

As I was flying back home from CA yesterday, I felt a little closer to Phred - and seeing the Fire Engine no. 29 going past us on Wilton Ave. after having visited Gini was simply amazing!

Phred, you will be missed sorely and never forgotten.

[Catty1]

Staci, thank you for sharing all this. It helped us to be a part of saying farewell to Phred.

And that fire engine #29 - Phred is still setting up surprises.

[slick]

I've just spent some time reading this whole thread and viewing the videos.

Staci: many thanks. I know how hard it was for you to capture the service without completely falling apart during filming. I managed to download and save them in RealPlayer format. {{{hugs}}}

Randi/Sara: Yes, I can just imagine how you felt seeing engine #29 pass by. Phred spirit is forever engraved in CA.

So many memories and so many giggles and tears. RIP Phred.