The playing of the pipes at a wake or funeral is a
centuries old tradition. It not only honors the fallen comrade but
pays tribute to his ancestry. David MacKay will be piping for us
traditional tunes while David Parker accompanies him on the bodhran drum.
They will be performing at the court house steps during the Friday, May
27, 2005 entertainment You will find them at other times strolling
the streets of Memphis and entertaining at the encampments. On Saturday,
they will pipe the family out the front door of Payne Funeral Chapel at
1:00 p.m. Also, they will perform for the visitors and those in attendance
at the graveside funeral, during the filling in of the grave.
These musicians have years of experience on the pipes
and drums and they will be sharing this, their talent and love of music
with us. They are both from Ft. Dodge, IA and are traveling here
and waiving their fees to honor Corporal Byrne.
Corporal John Peyton Byrne was the son of Samuel Byrne
who served with the 29th MO. Inf. during the Civil War. John’s Grandfather,
Major Charles Patrick Byrne served with the Virginia Militia during the
war of 1812. John’s Great Grandfather, Samuel Byrne was the
first generation born on American soil. John’s Great Great Grandfather,
George Byrn came to America from County Kildare Ireland in 1720.
George was a surveyor of land in Ireland and continued surveying here in
America with George Washington, our first President of the United States.
For more information check out:
David MacKay’s web site http://www.dodgenet.com/~dmackay/Bagpipe/Service
David Parker, Director of The Fort Museum in Ft. Dodge,
IA http://www.fortmuseum.com/
