Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums Band prepares to honor veterans in annual parade
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For 25 years, the Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums Band has used music to honor fallen heroes, first responders and military service members. On Saturday, Nov. 7, the band will continue that tradition during the annual Southeastern North Carolina Veterans Parade in downtown Wilmington.
The band, made up of current and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters and community members, has performed at ceremonies and memorials across the country.
Retired Wilmington police officer Tom Tilmon, one of the band’s founding members, said being part of the group allows him to give something meaningful back to the community.
“I feel like I’m bringing something special to our community, to our Police Department, to our city, to the fire department,” Tilmon said.
Over the past 25 years, the band has performed at some of the nation’s most significant memorial sites and ceremonies.
“We’ve done some great things in this band. We’ve, you know, we’ve been in New York City for 911. We’ve played at Arlington National Cemetery. We played for the police officers memorial in Washington, DC,” Tilmon said.
Despite its connection to the Wilmington Police Department, membership is not limited to law enforcement.
Sgt. Kamiko Howell, who plays tenor drums, said the band brings together people from different backgrounds who share a passion for music and service.
“We have a lot of members who have no affiliation with law enforcement at all. We have firefighters. We have just people from all over the community,” Howell said.
Every Tuesday, members gather in a conference room at police headquarters to rehearse. Practices begin with quieter instruments before transitioning to the full sound of bagpipes and drums.
As rehearsals move outside, pipe major Joshua Childress takes responsibility for keeping the musicians in sync.
“So, the pipe major is the one who’s calling out basically the rhythm and tempo of the tune and what tune will be playing … Tuning up the instruments themselves, making sure all the pipes sound alike,” Childress said.
Beyond the music, members say the relationships built over decades are what make the band special.
Retired Wilmington police Lt. Matthew Hinson, another founding member, said the group has supported one another through both celebrations and difficult moments.
“Overall, I’d say that all the members of the band stick together. We look out for each other. … We’ve also been through a lot of sad times,” Hinson said.
Those difficult moments include performing at funerals for fallen police officers, first responders and military service members.
For Childress, who is also a veteran, participating in Wilmington’s Veterans Day parade carries personal significance.
“We’re very proud to be in the veteran’s day Parade. It continues to grow. … Veteran myself, so I obviously have a soft spot. For that particular event,” Childress said.
The band hopes Saturday’s performance will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served their communities and country.
“Our motto is, you know, honor the fallen. … That’s not only for law enforcement, first responders also meant for military as well,” Childress said.
The Southeastern North Carolina Veterans Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in downtown Wilmington.
Several street and lane closures are expected, beginning as early as 7 a.m. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and review the traffic impacts and road closures before traveling downtown.
