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The "D" Company Buffalo City Guard - Gordon Highlander History

"D" Company Buffalo City Guard was organized in December 1837, at the time of the Caroline incident. The Caroline, was a vessel in the Buffalo harbor, and set afire and sunk with the loss of one life by the British. James MacKay, a leading citizen of the time, issued a call to arms and within 24 hours a unit consisting of 5 companies of 20 men each was formed and their services were offered to the City of Buffalo. On December 30, 1837, Mayor Barker issued a proclamation accepting the unit and thus Buffalo City Guard was born.

With the cessation of hostilities and the passing of time, the ranks dwindled until only "D" Company remained as an active military force. When the state militia laws were changed in the 1870's, "D" Company, rather than be incorporated in the state guard, became a military society

In the 1890's the Buffalo St. Andrews Society Pipes & Drums consisting of several immigrants from Scotland who had served with the 92nd Regiment of Foot, The Gordon Highlanders of the British Army combined with "D" Company to form "D" Company Buffalo City Guard Gordon Highlanders.

"D" Company Buffalo City Guard Gordon Highlanders still has conections to the milltary and has been well represented in all major U.S. conflicts since its formation in 1837. Members of the unit participated in the Mexican Campaign, World Wars I and II, Korea and the Vietnam conflicts. Even today, a number of members are on active duty with several branches of the United States Military.

Today's Company, though ready to serve God and Country, are not a combat organization but rather a parade organization. An organization however, steeped in tradition, with a very proud heritage passed down from those that served before us and in their honor, in parade after parade, "D" Company Buffalo City Guard Gordon Highlanders command the greatest respect and repeatedly gain the honor of being judged and awarded "First Place" in competition, adding still more glory to the illustrious history of "D" Company Buffalo City Guard Gordon Highlanders.

The Gordon Highlanders can be seen on parade nearly every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The parade season startes each year by leading the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day parade. Parades throughout the season take them to nearly every community in Western New York. The organization has received numerous honors and awards for their performances during parades and continues this each year.

The Gordons stay busy at other times of the year as well. They hold an annual Highland Ball now called "An Evening With The Gordons" in the spring that offers music and entertainment as well as information about Scottish traditions to those who attend. The Gordons have also been on hand for many events that are significant in local history including Buffalo's Sesquicentennial Celebration in April 1982, and the grand opening of HSBC Arena. The Gordons also have performed at a variety of sporting events including University of Buffalo football and basketball games, Buffalo Sabres hockey games, the Skylon Marathon and the Empire State Games to name a few. In 2004 the Buffalo Gordon Highlanders joined elite company with the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, Ani DiFranco and Lance Diamond by being honored in the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.  Each of these events add to the continuing proud traditions of "D" Company

Scottish bagpipe music is always popular at all kinds of special events including retirements, graduations, weddings, birthday parties, and funerals. Performances for this type of event are carefully planned and adapted to best suit the needs and desires of the coordinators and honorees. The group also performs for various churches, seniors groups, youth groups and community organizations.  If you would like to inquire about having pipers at your event please email Colonel Henderson at majhen@aol.com.

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