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