NYCPD emerald society pipes and drums

It was a small Band that marched up Fifth Avenue that fateful day, born and nurtured by a group of men whose undying love and fierce pride in their Celtic Heritage was paramount.

No one knew that day what that small band of marchers would mean to this city and to this country. Make no mistake about it.

The Band has become a permanent fixture in the daily life of the New York City Police Department and New York. But more than that it has inspired Police Departments and Emerald Societies throughout the country to forge ahead and embrace the idea that the skirl of pipes is right, is proper, is comforting for the everyday police officer.

Recognition of the Band's special place in history was evident in May of 1989 at the National Law Enforcement Memorial Day ceremonies in Washington D.C. when the Band led a parade of thirty other law enforcement pipe bands. A special event indeed but even more so when one realizes that all those Bands were a direct result of the hard work and dedication of this Band.

They were the offspring. The people of New York know this Band. They know it from St. Patrick's Day, and they know it from the everyday events that this Band participates in throughout the city.

And they know it from the Inspectors Funeral when this Band sends a member of the service killed in the line of duty home to be with God. There is no duty more important or more cherished. The Band is honored that it has been able to assist other locales in sending their brothers home; Chicago, Boston, Providence, Binghamton and Atlanta.