Lost but Found: Kilts and Bagpipes Sown in Nation’s, N. Wildwood’s Story

NORTH WILDWOOOD – The lone cry of the bagpipe (called a “skirl”) brings many images to mind: rugged hills, deep green valleys far away, and the sight of a kilted piper standing on a cliff overlooking crashing waves of the sea below.
Bagpipes, a deceptively simple instrument, have sounded across the British Isles, Ireland, and the globe for centuries, their cry a vital link between past and present.
Played in the trenches of No Man’s Land in the First World War and in the rubble of the Twin Towers after Sept. 11, the pipes have certainly called to hearts.
Perhaps, no matter one’s ethnic descent, such a sound plucks a common chord in all: love of home. America’s story contains the music of millions, and the bagpipe has certainly earned its seat in the vast orchestra.
Flags whipped in the strong breeze on the morning of Sept. 26 – thick, gray clouds drifted overhead as North Wildwood’s 24th annual Irish Fall Festival, sponsored by the James J. Reilly, Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), reached another highlight.
“This is a great event,” said Mayor Patrick Rosenello before the bagpipe exhibition. “And the weather is imported!” Rosenello also commented on the large crowds filling North Wildwood and Bill Henfey Park. “This is the first exhibition at the park,” Rosenello said.
The late mayor William Henfey, a “son of Ireland,” was not forgotten in the celebration as pipers and drummers marched under the sign bearing his name.
For Rosenello, “Irish Weekend” holds special significance as well. A second generation American, Rosenello traces his ancestry to Swinford in County Mayo.
“My paternal grandfather was Italian,” Rosenello explained, “so I’m an Irish-Italian American.” Rosenello’s family made the voyage from Europe in the early 1900s, along with countless others seeking a better life.
Refugees, the immigrants made America their new home and their children’s children bear witness to their courage and determination.
Joe Quattrone, North Wildwood’s special events coordinator, officially welcomed everyone to the 25th Bagpipe Exhibition.
Quattrone commented on the weather “being closer to the Cliffs of Mohr,” and introduced Dolly McGee who sang, “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Even as the Irish flag fluttered in the wind, the Stars and Stripes waved above the other colors. Quattrone also announced the landing of Pope Francis in Philadelphia before asking Rosenello to speak. Rosenello thanked the AOH and Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for their hard work.
Leading the way, the Cape May Emerald Society Honor Guard marched onto the field with the colors. According to members of the honor guard, Cape May Emerald Society has always been part of the exhibition, opening and closing the ceremony.
When asked how long the society has been in existence, the reply came back, “at least 20 years!”
Garbed in their McLennium tartans, members of the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipes and Drums strode onto the field. Playing lively tunes such as “New York, New York” and “O Shenandoah,” the pipers and drummers hail from New York State and carry on the dream of the founder, Edward P. Maloney.
Maloney founded the band in 1960 and they debuted in the 1961 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. Maloney was also a charter member of the NYC Police Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band.
Their distinct blue patterned kilts spring from a tartan plaid presented by Scotland to New York City in 2002. “Keeping the dream alive” is the band’s goal. 
Clad in solid orange kilts and tan, short-sleeved shirts, the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipes and Drums came onto the field, playing “The Star of the County Down.” As their performance continued, strains of “A Nation Once Again” echoed across the park.
As thousands of 19th century Irish immigrants poured into streets of East Coast cities, they came at a pivotal time in American history. Immigration presented not only opportunities but also a chance for societies to form. Unhappy with affairs in Ireland, many immigrants sought to preserve Irish culture, language, and music on another soil.
Dreams for a united Ireland, Protestant and Catholic, burned hot and carries on to this day as the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland continue to heal after centuries of violence.
“Look around you,” Quattrone called as the Philadelphia Society marched off the field. Quattrone thanked the North Wildwood administration for the “beautiful job” on Bill Henfey Park.
Quattrone introduced the third group as “classy people” and a “classy group.” “One of my favorites,” Quattrone added. From Mt. Laurel, the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums paraded into view – many of its members bearing the insignia of the Cherry Hill Fire Department. As they formed their formation, Quattrone described them as “real professionals.”
Camden County’s accolades include a recent winning at the state’s firemen’s convention.
The fifth and sixth groups comprised of Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums, from Montgomery County, Pa., and Brian Boru from King of Prussia.
Irish Thunder, bearing the standard of Donegal, marched in red kilts and black military berets, befitting their honorable status of winning an award in Ireland.
“Here comes Brian Boru,” Quattrone called out.
Named after the 11th century High King of Ireland, Boru conquered the Vikings who had invaded Ireland. Although Boru was struck down at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, his legacy as a brave warrior fanned patriotic fervor in Ireland for years. 
The band of Brian Boru played at the recent dedication of the statue of the timeless hero.
Many Boru members can trace their ancestry back to County Mayo and is reflected in their crimson plaid tartans.
Last, the Broome County Celtic Pipes and Drums of Binghamton, N.Y., took the field, playing “Scotland the Brave” and a contemporary tribute by Irish composer Phil Coulter, “Highland Cathedral.”
They returned to the field for the grand finale – a spectacle of plaids and pipes as all seven bands played “Amazing Grace.”
“This is what America is all about,” Quattrone said, and dedicated the song to the late mayor Henfey. “He is looking down on us.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.