Senate Concurrent Resolution 521

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MISSISSIPPI'S OWN "FATHER OF WATERS PIPES & DRUMS" AS THE FIRST LEGALLY ORGANIZED BAGPIPE AND DRUM UNIT IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, on August 1, 2001, Articles of Incorporation were filed at the Secretary of State's office, officially establishing "The Father of Waters Pipes & Drums" as the State of Mississippi's first legally organized Bagpipe & Drum Unit; and

WHEREAS, the word "Mississippi" is derived from an Indian term meaning Father of Waters, to which the group takes their name; and

WHEREAS, composed totally of Mississippians from various locations around the state, the group has become the poet laureates of this time-honored art. Having been in existence at least seven years in an unofficial capacity, this unit has been a regular at many parades, memorials, inaugurations and other similar events. Individual members have answered the call to play the immortal tribute when firemen, policemen, game wardens and highway patrolmen lose their lives in the line of duty to this great state; and

WHEREAS, the bagpipes have a martial tradition, becoming the only musical instrument in the world to have ever been legally declared a weapon of war. Today they answer not the call to war, but the call to honor, to remember, to memorialize, to proclaim and to pay tribute; and

WHEREAS, aside from memorials, this unit has been honored to perform at many weddings and has seen many young Mississippians begin their life together, played during the inauguration celebrations of our past two Governors, the Legislative Prayer Breakfast, a host of weddings and special events hosted by our state parks, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these worthy individuals from various areas around the state, who have chosen to freely give of their time and their effort in bringing into existence this truly unique musical heritage group which brings honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mississippi's own "Father of Waters Pipes & Drums" as the first legally organized bagpipe and drum unit in Mississippi, thanking them for their contributions to the quality of life in the state for which their unit takes its name, and wishing them success in their future performances.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Band Master of the Father of Waters Pipes & Drums, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.