| It has become increasingly popular for U.S. military | | | | pleats and glengarry ribbons pressed; every bit as |
| veterans and their families to specifically request a | | | | squared away as a military uniform. A homemade kilt |
| piper to not only pipe for a funeral, but to pipe Taps for | | | | in MacWal-Mart tartan with athletic socks and a JC |
| the rendering of military honors as well. Funerals for | | | | Penny blazer definitely won't cut it. You'll need decent |
| law enforcement and fire personnel in the United | | | | enough kit to look respectable standing alongside |
| States have a long tradition of incorporating pipers and | | | | Marines in their Class A's. However, do not wear a |
| military honors, and most departmental funerary | | | | Prince Charlie and bow tie unless all the other |
| protocols closely follow those of the U.S. military. The | | | | members of the funeral party are in tuxedos and |
| following is a brief general outline of what to expect | | | | evening gowns. Active duty or retired military |
| and what will be expected of you as a member of an | | | | personnel and members of the VFW or American |
| honor guard when playing Taps.You should be well | | | | Legion may wear their uniforms. Police, EMS, and fire |
| prepared before the funeral, your pipes should be well | | | | personnel uniform should conform to agency guidelines; |
| tuned, well set up, steady, and reliable. Paramilitary | | | | when in doubt check with your departmental chaplain |
| band uniforms, appearance, and instrument should | | | | prior to arrival. It is completely beyond my |
| meet or exceed the military standards as outlined in | | | | comprehension that this even needs to be said, but |
| British or Canadian Army regulations for pipers. Civilian | | | | unfortunately it does; the wearing of military uniform |
| dress should look equally neat and presentable; jacket | | | | and insignia to which you have not earned the right is |
| brushed, metalwork polished, leather waxed, and kilt | | | | extremely offensive to those who have. |