Lone bagpiper says final goodbye to fallen West firefighters and EMTs

A capacity crowd of more than 9,000 people -- including President Barack Obama, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. John Cornyn -- attended a massive memorial service at Baylor University's basketball arena on Thursday, April 25, 2013, for the 12 first responders who died in a West fertilizer plant explosion a week earlier. For more San Antonio Express-News coverage of the event, visit: bit.ly/ZRFYoI

[@jasonmcmillan6598]

There is a symbolism in the manner in which this is done. 1) a lone piper, we enter this world alone. 2) the company of pipers- symbolizes the companionship of our brothers and sisters here in this life. 3) the lone piper walks away- we leave this world begin a new journey alone.

[@joshmartinez4240]

jason mcmillan couldn't agree more.

[@robinpesek3657]

Thank you for the information. Lovely.

[@ajjoyce256]

RIP my brothers

[@shonagraham2752]

@@robinpesek3657 not true that's new age guff! Lone piper calls the dead home. Scotland is a clan culture USA that's individualist buy a religion at MacDonald's culture - they didn't die a lone why would they reject each other in death, its sick!

[@dominus_vader6842]

I will never forget this video. My father who was a third generation firefighter sent me this video 3 weeks ago and told me to never make him go to one of these, as I just got on the same department that he was on recently. He passed away yesterday, at 55. I love you dad, until we meet again ❤️

[@gingacenturion492]

I remember my first firefighter funeral when they started playing this on the bagpipes, how hard it was to contain my emotions. Rest in peace brothers.

[@southern04man]

Almost lost it watching this.

[@MegaNiQ]

It always brings tears to my eyes

[@Cmanjp427]

It never gets easier saying goodbye to your brother or sister

[@Cmanjp427]

southern04man same here

[@andrewrutigliano]

My friend, that's the tradition. Scottish played the bagpipes because that's the only time it was allowed for men to cry. That's why bagpipes are played for police/firefighters/military, because those were the worst jobs during the immigration and the Scottish/Irish/Italians took them. The tradition continues

[@eS-ql7vm]

I love so much the abrupt stop of bagpipes at the end of their piping and the chilling silence which follows. A beautifully painful reminder of the frailty of life.

[@Alan-qx4gi]

Erik Summers play in a military pipe band and dont cut your drones out in time or even worse your still playing expect a punch or two from pipe major

[@gregkopacz2136]

I was at this funeral in full dress. Most emotional funeral of a fallen brother I have been to up to that point until we lost one of our own. But to see 13 flag draped coffins in front of you, all that gave the ultimate sacrifice, and their wives and children in front of your face, with as many homicides, suicides, and other DOS I've been apart of, this was by far the worst yet most proud moment of my firefighting career.

[@flapthecrapster]

Im sorry that happened to you brother. I've never been to a funeral like that but I've worked on one of our own (fire, ems, police, military) a few times and i Know the feeling. You're NEVER alone brother......you got FAMILY. Please ALWAYS remember that.

[@patrickmurphy9115]

Thank you for Your Service to your community stay strong.

[@gregkopacz2136]

@@patrickmurphy9115 thanks but really no thanks needed. I'm retired now and glad I was able to do what I did. I haven't seen this video in a long time but I can immediately go back there in my mind watching this.

[@bradleyross9339]

I was 16 when this happened as a civilian me and my family went and helped where we could I saw things I shouldn't have and I'd do it again if ever the time arrives

[@rescuecaptainbob6955]

I knew most of these men,and now almost 2 years later I still can't believe this whole ordeal was real...I've never seen so many small community's rally together as they all did,made me proud to be a small town volunteer...RIP my brothers...

[@SMGleader]

+Rescue Captain Bob a life of cheerful service. emt and volunteer two years now. I heard too many bagpipes this summer from fellow ffs fighting in ak and wa fires. Wish I could have had my F1. You're not alone friend.

[@marshallbyrne9426]

God bless and God speed

[@MrFlutterbitch]

I'm truly sorry for your loss. To our fallen brothers and sisters!

[@jaycee4899]

Rescue Captain Bob my condolences. CMVFD PFF J.CARRILLO.

[@kevintucker1491]

2 years as a volunteer and third generation first responder. I never truly understood what the brotherhood was until I knew and understood that if I am in trouble any one of those brothers and sisters would be coming after me. Rest easy brothers. We will take it from here. Kevin Tucker FF UVFD

[@Metro-fx1bv]

The people that disliked this have absolutely no soul this hit me so hard if I’m not mistaken this was played at my beloved fathers funeral Edit I can’t stop watching this 😔💚

[@traceymenadue6494]

I agree with you all the people that dislike things like this SHOULD BE ASHAMED of themselves

[@Fire380Fighter]

greater love hath no man, than to lay die his life for a friend... RIP brothers

[@littleblitz8239]

They didn't have to respond, they're volunteers, but they went anyway

[@flapthecrapster]

You CAN'T hold these boys and girls back. Like a dog ripping the leash out of your hand and straight up RUNNING. "STOP!!!!" GONE "Okay then. Just don't get hurt damn it"

[@ramcharge2704]

It's in thier blood! They respond to a voulnteer call one time and after that they can't stop!

[@tracylarson1935]

I can never listen to amazing grace, without tearing up. Rest in Peace to all our everyday heroes who gave their lives to protect others.

[@jaredpatterson4524]

I tear up every time

[@flapthecrapster]

We take the risk because of the reward. It is our HONOR to serve. Thank you for your support.

[@charlenegosse6581]

Grew up on an Airforce base....love the pipes....the tears just flow❤

[@codygensamer8861]

rest easy brothers we'll take it from here.

[@nemusic3160]

Cody Gensamer HAHAHAHA

[@nathandancey6070]

N0lan_E fuck off asshole

[@danzigvi]

They gave their lives to save others, I know they're in heaven. God Bless them.

[@MikeVasquez-um5iy]

34 years of service I will never get over the loss of fallen firefighters, God Bless those who have passed in the line of duty

[@kevinharrington9148]

From the dad of a Houston firefighter - RIP brothers. You are my hero.

[@katerossi5432]

I have tears running down my face.

[@scott8908]

EMT firefighter in California, USAF vet of 9 years, rest easy brothers. We will take it from here. Til Valhalla

[@southern04man]

The proper way to show respects to real heros.

[@tim1878]

There is nothing sadder and more beautiful than a firefighter's funeral.

[@aaronlang4450]

One word: goosebumps

[@tamtamulevicz1215]

It is a show of respect for those who gave and those left behind!

[@princesslahoma]

I was moved to tears. Beautiful tribute

[@christianhalog9510]

As an Assistant Fire Chief me and my station give u guys ur final call of duty Rest In Peace brothers and Sisters.

[@bobholmes65]

Beautiful but profoundly sad.

[@dyland9731]

R.I.P to the fallen fireFighers and emt and police

[@muspobear]

Amen Brother!!!!

[@RiverBankRay]

America is still alive.

[@syd7488]

💜😭 rest in peace all fallen brothers and sisters! 😭💜

[@claudiareid9265]

May they all R.I.P. You will never be forgotten!!!

[@joseurena5247]

5 years ago and still makes me cry

[@unknownassassin2212]

Final call.... Rest easy brothers 🙏

[@child_firephotography]

For some reason I almost cry when I watch these for some reason and hopefully I never have to be in one of these

[@theresabollman8061]

God Bless our heroes

[@fengxia1234567]

Beautiful

[@tirgun6174]

For the ones who gave this a thumbs down your life must really suck!!!

[@muspobear]

No. They are SICK PUPS!!!! How could any SANE person who gave a Thumbs Down, be NORMAL???!!!! It's beyond SGT here!!!!!

[@muspobear]

+Operator.Va7or You can change your choice if you make a mistake. They are just sick lil ole pups. Punks no dought.

[@theulimategame5555]

Tirgun 617 no the must have no heart bc i lost my dad when i was only 5

[@christoti7893]

Tirgun 617 ill have to agree, to the 21 people who thumbs down this video i hope when your card is pulled may your funeral be empty and may you be stuck in purgatory for enturnity

[@JAMESMANHUNT9]

im the proud cousin of a chicago firefighter

[@butyfly5187]

those who lost there loved ones on duty i am deeply sorry rip

[@djmc4251]

May they all rest in peace and I thank all who serve.

[@MONOCEMS]

Very classy. Rest in Peace Brothers.

[@SimbaPlaysMCMain]

My heart fell when I saw this video, I have friends that are firefighters and they send their regards to the families. My word I can’t stop crying, this is a true symbol of firefighter brotherhood. We’re here and we won’t be broken

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

Opened up my heart to what I never knew about before.

[@anthonyrichard8001]

thank you...

[@bt1180]

Heart wrenching

[@paulsheerin1794]

Respect to our fallen heroes 🙏🏻

[@metraking192]

4 years ago today, still forever in our hearts, Rest In Peace Brothers

[@indymedic]

Godspeed Brothers.

[@briangoulter3458]

I lost my best friend in an automobile accident involving an ambulance. Being a fellow firefighter/met it was the hardest thing to deal with

[@rotenjim5]

Wish you well, Brian. 🙏

[@NLRchargingwildcat]

Very moving. never forget them.

[@managementr]

how can someone dislike this video?

[@mssweetpea4773]

Crying to much

[@firebuffE103]

Wow........life is precious........rest in peace heroes of waco!

[@jakeboatright7485]

RIP brothers. watch over us from above.

[@bigguy132]

Rest in peace brothers. We'll take the watch. Godspeed.

[@lechat8736]

My God, this is heartbreaking. The poor people who lost their loved ones.

[@TheLinkIsLost]

Never forgotten.

[@patrickflanagan6640]

Rest easy to my brothers and sisters and may peace forever be with you

[@rhapsodyoffire401]

I did not get a cry in the video. I could hear it, I'm so sad to your crying.

[@johnfellows2867]

Bloody amazing !!!

[@kellymann]

Still gives me chills RIP brothers

[@davidduffy6233]

with deepest respect,

[@bcattful]

Thank you so very much for posting this; RIP

[@fireworksmuseum]

Very impressive. May their souls rest in peace 🕊️

[@taylornox]

Having a lone piper send you off automatically makes you welcome in the peace that is the Scottish highlands, we'll protect your soul for eternity.

[@mygreatescape9617]

As a cousin of a firefighter/EMT I just want to say thank you to all of our first responders you all put your lives on the line everyday thank you again and God bless you all may these fallen first responders rest in peace

[@JohnLongoriaJr]

Thanks for posting.

[@TheLuke1729]

Chills and tears

[@Michael-lx3tm]

Rest in peace brothers we will take if from here on

[@odinewb]

Rest in peace brothers

[@warrenhasbargen8902]

Rest easy brothers we got this

[@gkopacz]

I was at this funeral at Baylor University. The only funeral that was harder was my own brothers from my dept.

[@zuuwiee]

Rest easy my brothers

[@judypaulsel9646]

Beautiful are the souls of the brave r.i.p

[@joshjansen4843]

Rest in Peace brothers/ sisters

[@carljohnson3348]

Man tears have fallen

[@maxwellvfd512]

Ty for posting

[@Kiltedfirepiper]

beautiful job brothers! well played. may they all rest in peace. L3842

[@BenHarrison472]

In the description narrative, I'd much rather see the names of the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice, than a bunch of politicians.

[@ianfretwell5655]

very emotional

[@michaelboyd8809]

All died what they love to do and that is to help their community

[@Cmanjp427]

Rest easy brothers we got it from here

[@hvmetalhead]

We have the watch.

[@estreyasanchez8772]

R.I.P let God be happy what you firefighters did to save USA

[@sputnikalgrim]

That's not the crowd yelling that's a snare drum

[@lindathrall5133]

Several young EMTS NEVER GOT TO BE MENTORED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE FIRST AID MASTERS

[@tdlangdon]

amazing

[@humphust]

Try being there when its one of yours.

[@jesseblack2285]

Chills

[@ja1011k]

moving! rip

[@timnunyabiz6097]

Slow. Respectful. Salute. for the 12 first responders who gave their ALL in that thin RED line of Duty. RetLEO / VolFF

[@headlesspiper936]

what pipe band is that playing ?. sounds really great

[@tugboat_actual]

wow.....

[@chriskeller3705]

Amazing Grace is a beautiful song, but I hope I never hear it played for a friend or loved one

[@America-First2024]

😢

[@clg1475]

And here I am sobbing again . . . ⚫🔴⚫

[@christophschumacher896]

❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@JBrooksNYS]

Where are all the pipers and drummers?

[@kylesalyer6500]

That's true

[@farmercityparanormal4300]

Damn...

[@Will-ux1dg]

Only the Scots can do this .

[@seaneifert7737]

Where is it at right now

[@ashleyjackson4012]

And just think 2 months later 19 more died the granite Mountain hotshots I the yarnell hill fire we need to re evaluate and take better care of our FFs

[@jerremys7010]

What fire was this ,?