Bird Key honors fallen heroes Memorial Day weekend

Gemma Briggs started learning how to play the bagpipes 15 years ago, and she said she takes immense pride in now being able to share her musical talent at special occasions. This weekend was even more meaningful for her as she remembered her grandfather's military service while performing for members of the Bird Key Yacht Club.

The club held a holiday program on Sunday, featuring a parade of the colors led by Jay Plager, musical tributes by Briggs and vocalist Lorraine Murphy, and a tribute to the fallen by Commodore Michael Landis and Rear Commodore Saul Landesberg.

Briggs, currently based in Clearwater, started playing the bagpipes in middle school and went on to join the Tampa Bay Pipe Band. She went on to study science at The College of Wooster on a bagpiping scholarship, and now she plays professionally.

She often performs at weddings, funerals and other community events where there is a need. But she said she especially appreciated that evening in Bird Key as she recognized her grandfathers, William Briggs and Ralph White, who fought in World War II in the Army and Navy. One fought in the Battle of the Bulge, a moment that contributed significantly to the end of the war.

"I can't imagine what they went through," she said of their service that took a toll long after they returned home — but she was grateful to use her talents to help recognize their sacrifice and that of others in the armed forces.

The ceremony continued with Murphy's singing. With her encouragement, members lent their voices to harmonies of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and sang along while Briggs played "America the Beautiful" and "Amazing Grace."

Murphy, who is a choir member with the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, displayed delight when so many people joined in.

"I've been singing since I was four, and I remember my mother always said, 'Make it count. Sell your song.' If I could get people to sing along like that, I think I've done it. It was amazing, and I didn't expect it," she said. "I hoped they'd sing with the 'Glory, glory, hallelujah' chorus, but when they started singing with the piper, it was great."

Before members retired the colors, the commodore proceeded to name each war in which Americans have fought and the total amount of casualties since the country's foundation, accompanied by a bell ring from Landesberg.

Landis is a veteran with the U.S. Army, and flag-bearer Jay Plager is from the U.S. Navy.

In his remarks, Landis encouraged attendees to take time to honor and remember those who gave their lives to protect the nation. He shared his appreciation for their courage and dedication.

"Their sacrifices are the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy," he said. "Behind every name etched in a memorial wall or gravestone lies a story — a mother or father, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a spouse or a friend. Today, we honor those stories."