Final honors for Dad

      July 11, 2013 I had the honor of piping my father home. The story of his 92 years would make Indiana Jones look like a cowardly school boy. To quote my cousin "he was the Dad we all wished we had". Blessings on the Wind, Father. The likes of you will not be seen again.

Vanity ;-)

    One of things I enjoy most about the parties and events I play is when people come up and ask to have their picture taken with me.  Fun for the Patron and fun for the Piper.   Sadly though, I seldom if ever see these great pictures!

    So the thought hit me, if you will email your pictures to me at bro.falldown@gmail.com , I will post them on my various sites (Facebook, Reverbnation, etc) and give you credit for the photo.  Unless of course, you ask me not to post it.

   Yes its true, we Pipers are a vain lot!  ;-)

Slainte,

Mike M

Winslow's Christmas Parade

 Ah well....

    This seems to be one of those regretable moments when "Life" gets in the way of "Planning".  I seem to have develop a few health issues that are going to prclude my piping for the next week or two!   Once again, I'll miss this great Parade.  

    Regardless of my situation though, you should still plan on attending this magnificent event.  And that's not just my opinion!

By Linda Kor: 

"As the holiday season nears Winslow is planning to welcome it in with its 66th annual Christmas parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. This years’ theme is “Get Your Christmas Kicks on Route 66,” with the Standin’ on the Corner Foundation members past and present as the grand marshals. 
The Winslow Christmas Parade draws residents and guests from all around the state to enjoy what always proves to be a joyful holiday experience. Estimated crowds of up to 10,000 have been known to be in attendance, making Winslow’s Christmas Parade the largest in all of northern Arizona. 

Thank you."

Warmest regards, and see you soon,
Michael "Pops" McGee

Payon's Rodeo Parade

  Payson's Rodeo Parade was storybook wonderful!  A cool mountain breeze, soft cotton-ball clouds in a crystal blue mountain sky, several thousand spectators applauding the Piper, followed by a robust lunch with comrades, before the skies open to bath the scene with cleansing tears of heaven, knowing all the while that it is to make crippled children whole.  There may be something better than this, but if so I am sure the Gods have kept it for themselves.

   My next scheduled public performance will be at the re-dedication ceremony for Winslow's 9-11 Memorial.  Both of the drivers, and the truck that made the historic delivery will be there.  It should be a very moving experience.  September 11, 7pm at the new Rememberance Garden Park in Winslow.

I'd love to see you there!

Pops :-)

Let the Games Begin! :-)

  It’s August.  Kids are headed back to school, Summer vacations are winding down, and I’m getting ready for Parades with El Zaribah Shrine.  I’ll be kicking off with the Payson Rodeo Parade August 18, followed by the Kingman parade in September, Lake Havasu City in October, Anthem and Tempe in November, anywhere from one to three per month.  I’ll let you know exact dates, times, and places as the information becomes available.

     As Shriners these parades are all done at our own personal expense (transportation, lodging, meals, parade unit equipment, etc) in order to raise public awareness of our Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.  Hospitals where no child is ever turned away regardless of ability to pay.

Memorial Day 2012

This morning marked the 29th annual Memorial Day celebration at Phoenix Arizona's Pioneer Cemetery.  As in years past the Honor Guard was provided by the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona.  It was a very moving ceremony and really brought the day into focus.

Slainte mhor,

 Pops

Relay for Life

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups . . . people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

The evening of May 4th I'll be piping the Luminaria Celebration at the ACS Relay for Life in Bullhead City, AZ. Come out. Make a difference. It may be your own life you're saving. :-)

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