19th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service

The Emerald Society, an organization of American police officers or fire fighters of Irish heritage, held the 19th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service today. The service remembered all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, in particular officers of Gaelic descent, and featured numerous musical tributes.



Bagpipes trace their roots to the Middle East several centuries before the birth of Christ. But it was in Ireland and Scotland that the instrument became popular, used to signal a death and escort the fallen to the final resting place. Their strong association with law enforcement in the United States developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Irish-Americans stepped forward and began to fill the growing ranks of our law enforcement agencies. One of the enduring traditions they brought with them was bagpipe music.



The Memorial was proud to host this ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of our fallen officers.

For more information about National Police Week 2013, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.