What was it like, Walsh and Kennedy? The Conclusion

     It amazes me when you step back and take a look into the life of others, you realize just how many people are affected when someone is lost. Mind boggling.

Lt. Edward Walsh E-33, FF Micheal Kennedy L-15

     I guess I took the long route to answer the short question, "What was it like." Inspiration is one of the most telling feelings I have taken from these two funerals, but I have been inspired by funerals all along. The feeling of being able to give back to the family of the men lost is so great that words couldn't possibly explain. I feel that some of us think we are there to honor the men lost, and yes that is partly true. More than that we are there for the family. That little boy taught me that so many years ago. The person laid to rest doesn't  know what type of response they are getting during their funeral services, (not going to get into the afterlife here) but the family and friends will never forget it. In the fire service we come out in droves for the men and women that die in the line of duty. Why do we do this? For our brother firefighters? Sure, I guess so. I mean, that is the moment you really feel the "Brotherhood" when we all stand together for one common cause. Are we there for the person that lost his life? Sure. The real question is what cause could be greater than standing in place of the person that lost their life? In their place? To stand not just for them but stand in for them to support of their family, stand as a true Brother. So would that make me the Brother to Mrs. Walsh (Ed's Wife), the son of Mr. Kennedy and Mrs. Crosby-Bell (Michael's parents)? How about Alex the little boy that Kennedy acted as a Big Brother for? The American Infidels? The members of the Boston Fire Department? For that day it does. Yes it does! Speaking for myself and not the entire fire service I would step out and do whatever they asked of me. This is why I prepare my ability to play my music so diligently. Why I enjoy the kilt and bagpipe jokes. Why I will try my damnedest to never say no! It's my way of giving back and helping them. This job owes me nothing.

     I know the families will receive financial assistance, but that is not enough to fill the hole. I watched as the news talked of the new bill in Massachusetts to raise Line of duty Death benefits 50% and thought "boy that's nice." That's all that came to mind, "that's nice." In a few short weeks the news articles and blog posts will stop for these men. The fundraisers and donations will end and we will all move on and follow our favorite sports teams or get lost in the summer sun, making these events a distant memory for us. The beloved firefighter will once again be on attack by the political machine and the community will be right back where it was before 9/11/01, December of 2011, and yes March 26, 2014. The families will move on too, It will take them a little longer but time heals all wounds, right? They will move on but they will never forget, just like William Noonan (BFD photographer), Local 718, The PFFM, IAFF, and Brockton Fire Museum as they continue to work tirelessly to remind us of men giving the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. I know I will always carry these men with me. As I add Lt. Ed (Edzo) Walsh Ladder 15 and FF Michael (Dork) Kennedy Engine 33 to my ever growing list of Line Of Duty Deaths I have piped (Now at 31 men and women in 17yrs) I reflect on the question "What was it like?" My answer, my real answer? You tell me...what was it like?

Peter

What was it like, Walsh and Kennedy? Part two

FF Michael Kennedy BFD L-15

     Here we are just one week since the funeral for Boston Firefighter Michael Kennedy. For those of you that may be new to "A Piper's View," Michael died from injuries sustained while operating in the basement of  the 9 alarm fire located at 298 Beacon Street just opposite the Charles River on March 26, 2014. Michael was born in Boston on October 11, 1980 and served honorably for over 6 years in the U.S. Marine Corps where he had earned the rank of Sergeant. Michael was a Combat Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom prior to being appointed to the Boston Fire Department on November 5, 2007, where he would work on Ladder 2 before moving on to Boylston Street assigned to Ladder 15. Michael was a caring sort who gave and spent time with others, joining the Big Brother Program in East Boston, working as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warriors Project, and the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation. So much has happened over the last week, but not one thing from this day a week ago has left my mind.

     The sun was shining so bright on my arrival at the church where all of this pipe band stuff started for me. That's right the funeral services for Kennedy are at the same church where I stood in 1996 as a young wet behind the ears probationary firefighter. Only this day I was not green and knew exactly what to expect. This day I would not be in awe of the swing in the kilt or the snap and whip of the flag. There were no snow covered grounds dusted deep in sand and soot. No clouds in the sky and the starched polyester and bell cap were replaced with wool and a Glen Garry. There would be no child staring back at me, I could not lose focus today, heck I still had all my inspiration from the day before.

Funeral Procession of FF Kennedy as it passes the rotary

     We arrived at the staging area and right away were grabbed by the Pipe Major of the Boston Gaelic Fire Brigade. Today's plan would be slightly different from yesterday. The Gaelic Brigade would play in front of the church while we would be given the honor of leading the massed bands beyond. When I say we, I mean Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes & Drums/Brockton Firefighter Pipes &Drums/Worcester Fire Brigade Pipes & Drums. After a short discussion prior to a massed bands meeting with all the Pipe Majors and Band Managers I was asked if I could go and begin to tune the bands. Everyone was pretty close to where they needed to be so tuning was rather easy. So many people would stop me and comment on the day prior and how wonderful the services were. Once again the band would have well over 300 pieces for today, a great showing! One of the guys on my department was walking by with his son, he had kept his son home from school to pay his respects. I thought this was great. What he would learn today could not be measured on one lost day in school. We would step off without incident and this time I was able to see the other side as we made our way to the church from the opposite side of the hill. There were people everywhere. Not just the sidewalks but in windows and roof tops alike. It just seemed there were more people today than the day before. This could be because West Roxbury is far more open than Watertown. As we played the Minstrel Boy up the hill toward the rotary I quickly realized maybe I didn't really fully have hold of the feelings of the day, maybe my concentration wasn't as tight as I thought. There, just opposite the church on the rotary is the Holy Name Elementary School. The teachers had brought all of the children out and lined them along the fence. So many of these kids standing and watching as we passed by. Waving the American Flag and responding to us like this was a joyous occasion. I know these kids didn't really understand fully what was going on but them being there created a beautiful tribute to Kennedy.

Holy Name Church, Members Saluting FF Kennedy

     As we passed by the church the Gaelic Brigade broke off to the front as we continued on. Once the massed band made our way beyond the front of the church we would finish playing. The Brigade would then take over and pipe the casket into the church. The arrival went off like clockwork!! After we were dismissed I began looking for the members of my department that had ridden in on two separate bus loads. As I was making my way through the crowds, (many of the people were making mention of how nice and fitting these two days have been) I saw a friend of mine. His brother (Engine 2) and sister (Fire Alarm) are on my department. His family is rich in the fire service as his father is retired a Boston Jake. He himself is also alarm operator. He has been on the Boston Fire Department for quite sometime and took part in some of the communications during the fire that took the lives of Walsh and Kennedy. I had known that his wife was the operator in charge of the fire so I asked him how she was doing. He had told me how she was handling the whole thing, she is a trooper, and that she was returning to work after taking just a couple days off. I don't blame her. This woman was incredible and kept her wits about her through extreme tragedy. She held her composure throughout the entire event never wavering even for a second. A true professional. I can only imagine how proud of her the Boston Fire Department and her family could be. A job well done!

Members of the American Infidels during church services

     I found myself standing staring at the front of the church, almost exactly the spot I stood 17 years ago. I couldn't help but think of the young boy (How it all Started) as I equated him to the men I had seen lined up in front of the church earlier. These men all with bodies and faces that have clearly lived a life time stood at attention wearing boots, jeans and the signature leather vests of a motorcycle club. They were the members of the American Infidels, a motorcycle club that Kennedy(Dork) belonged to. The club is made up of military men that have the interest of motorcycles and camaraderie. These men have seen battle in the field and have battled enough in their minds through their life time. They may be standing differently than the boy so many years ago but their inside emotion was just the same. I watched as they made their way up and into the church marching in unison. These men knew brotherhood and it showed in the way they carried themselves. It amazes me when you step back and take a look into the life of others, you realize just how many people are affected when someone is lost. Mind boggling.

to be continued…

Peter

What was it like, Walsh and Kennedy? Part one

     I've bumped into a lot of people the past few days. Each one asking the same question. "You play the funerals?" My answer of course, "yes I did." My response was followed up with "so tragic, what was it like?" I didn't really know how or have an answer. Each time I had to sit and think, what was it like? Awkwardly I would say to almost all of those people, "It was ok." As I sit here tonight, the word inspiring came to mind.

Boston Fire Lt ed Walsh

     Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr. Perished in a valiant effort fighting a fierce wind driven fire in a brownstone nestled in Boston's Back Bay on March 26, 2014. A devoted and loving family man, he leaves behind his wife and three children. A second-generation firefighter, he loved the firefighters he worked alongside and found a home at Engine 33, Ladder 15. He loved working out of the "busy house" on Boylston. Eddie adored his young family and as a devoted father, he was deeply involved in his children's activities, spending many hours coaching his son in baseball, football, and basketball as well as daughters soccer team. His love of family and children extended even beyond his own as he consistently volunteered his time for the Brian McNeil Memorial Foundation, Lt. Paul J. Sullivan Scholarship Fund, Franciscan Children's Hospital, and others. In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Ed worked at the Oak Square YMCA as a facilities director. Ed clearly had a plan with his forever. His selflessness was inspiring.

   

380 pieces to this massed band for Lt Walsh

     We arrived in Watertown by 830am. Plenty of time to get ready and mingle. There were already about a hundred and fifty pipers and drummers from all over the country at the staging area when we arrived. Right away we saw the Gaelic Fire Brigade P&D and the Greater Boston FF P&D. The plan of the day was the Boston bands would lead the massive 380 piece massed band. As I met with the Pipe Majors of those bands they asked us to join them as we play together all of the time. We were honored to stand with them. It meant a lot, more than words on a page could describe. The instructor for The Brigade began tuning the bands from Boston. The circle of pipers was rather large and was taking him a little longer than I think he expected so I asked him if he wanted any help and without a second thought he told me to start on the other side. With the two of us the tuning went much faster and came out well. The remainder of the massed band was instructed to tune themselves respectively at 477hz. I know too technical for you non pipers, but the point is everyone knew where to be. Back to the plan of the day, Boston bands up front, with Worchester following, They would be leading the massed band beyond St Patrick's church as we were to peel off and circle in front of the church on the lawn. Worcester Fire Brigade would then take the remainder of the band beyond the church and up the street. I can only imagine the thoughts of the Worcester band for being given this honor. We here in MA sure do stick together in the times of need. Inspiring.

The salute to Lt Walsh

     I am quite sure you have all seen the photo. The little boy sporting the black fire helmet that donned his head so perfectly, wrapped in the tiny red fire coat with the words "Fire Chief" on the back. I saw him too. I know full well when you are in the circle you need to present yourself proper. Stand tall, at attention, eyes fixed front. I usually do much better but I caught a glimpse of the boy and lost myself. Once I saw him and his youthful innocence I couldn't contain myself as my eyes fixed on his saunter and continued that way as he made his way up walk way to the church. His inability to fully comprehend the feel of the day was oddly refreshing and his commitment to the salute was to say the least, inspiring.

     We would not enter the church during the service and were told we were free to move about. We were instructed to be back on the lawn in less than one hour. I began to make my way through the crowd looking for the Brockton Fire contingent, to no avail I might add. As I made my way through I kept seeing many guys I've known though my travels as a piper. It's always amazing to me that out of ten thousand or so people you can still find friends. I guess that is why they use that term brotherhood all of the time, I don't know. As I stood conversing with a fine gentleman from the Gaelic Brigade a woman from a Boston paper (that has been no friend in the past) came to us looking for a quote. I told her I had no comment. It was not my place, she seemed miffed that I did want to speak to her. I wasn't concerned, someone would give her the fuel she needed for her payday, it just wasn't going to be me. As we continued to speak many guys came up to us and the common theme was appreciation and admiration. I always find the admiration of your peers to be inspirational.

Panoramic view of the Boston Gaelic Fire Brigade, Greater Boston, and Brockton Firefighter Pipes & Drums in the circle.

     Following the service we played Amazing Grace as the casket moved from the church down the walk to the street and up onto Engine 33 for the Lieutenant's final ride. The band played well and held on for an incredible tribute to an incredible man. Once again I found myself looking at the front of the church. I lost myself again, but only for a moment. I'm happy I did. The moment I looked on I saw a young girl (quite possibly Walsh's daughter) as she made her way to the bottom of the stairs. The young girl wearing a pretty pink jacket, carrying a Minnie Mouse pocket book in one hand holding the woman's in the other. She stopped on the bottom step only for a short pause, she bent her knees and made the youthful jump that many of us parents have seen and been involved in since the beginning of time. Her face framed by beautiful blond locks carried a broad smile and her reflection of innocence bounced of the woman in such a positive way. This jump is so cute and fun each and every time. Can you not chuckle? Question, is it not true, the meaning of life is our children? It is apparent to me the Walsh's knew this. How can you not be inspired by that?

     We would then make our way to the cemetery for a service private to the family and the Boston Fire Department. After the beautiful service at the graveside I was left with many feelings. Through all I had seen today my reflections would be to Mrs. Walsh and those beautiful children. His family is left with a hole to fill. I can only hope the way we (the band) carried ourselves was enough to drive them through the day. Clearly what we do is not enough for them but as a community we can attempt to get them through all of this. As for the question, "what was it like?" Clearly it was sad, pain filled, demanding, and taxing, but I must say through all of that the feeling that is presented to me the most. Inspiration! Inspiration for the next day.

To be continued...

Peter