Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville was founded in September 2003 by Andy Winckler and John Adair. The band was created to honour and remember those lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks, and that memorial purpose remains central to its identity. Based in Naperville, Illinois, it has a strong first-responder focus, using pipes and drums to support moments of remembrance, service and civic pride.

The band continues to honour firefighters, police, military personnel, veterans and other first responders, especially through performances at funerals, memorial services and public ceremonies. It also appears at local parades and community events, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, St Patrick’s Day activities, Relay for Life events, St Baldrick’s fundraisers and Honor Flight Chicago welcomes.

Today, the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville remains both a pipe band and a remembrance organisation: pipes, drums, dress uniforms and a fair amount of emotional heavy lifting. Not just skirling for show, but playing where the lump-in-the-throat stuff lives.