On 17 May 1990 the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department were to leave for the annual Cleveland Police Memorial and Tattoo. A few days earlier Chicago Police Officers were murdered. The band honored their fallen on (17 May – Officer Hauser and 18 May – Officer Kilroy). After the second funeral the banded boarded their bus almost two days late to go to Cleveland. They were not able to cancel the trip without penalty and arrived in Cleveland late for the hospitality dinner. The band went to the restaurant to meet the Cleveland and New York Bands (Cleveland, the host, held dinner late until their arrival) and when they entered were given a standing ovation by the bands. Cleveland Fire Fighter Ronald Stepka wrote the tune “Honor Our Fallen” to commemorate the deeds of the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department.
The squads in line
keep slow march time
the hearse winds up the hill to his grave
the family's true
in this sea of blue
O' police stoic, proud and brave
The caskets drawn
Pipe Major's arm
cues snares rolling off with his mace
drones none too soon
mark chanter's tune
In time with the slow thumping bass
In the line, he did die
cut down in his prime
for duty he answered the calling
our respect, undying love
we pray t' God, up above
To grace us and honor our fallen
Pipes they wail, sweet 'n low
badges gleam in straight rows
at attention these protectors of law
valiant men at their best
lay their comrade to rest
and the band played Honor Our Fallen.
