The Checkered Glengarry: A Nod to Our Roots

If you’ve ever seen the members of Wake and District Public Safety Pipes and Drums in full dress, you’ll notice something distinctive — the checkered Glengarry we wear with pride. It’s more than a uniform piece; it’s a thread that ties us back to our founding members and to a broader story of service, honor, and identity.

When Wake and District was founded, our purpose was simple and sincere: to serve, honor, and remember. Among our earliest members was an officer from the Chicago Police Department — a department known not only for its distinguished service but also for the unmistakable checkered band on its caps.

That design has history. The “checkered band” worn by Chicago Police officers was introduced in May 1967 by Superintendent O.W. Wilson, inspired by the Sillitoe Tartan — a pattern first used in 1932 by the Glasgow Police Department in Scotland and named after Chief Constable Percy J. Sillitoe. Superintendent Wilson modified it into a two-layer design, using white and dark blue for officers and yellow and dark blue for supervisors. The pattern quickly became iconic — so distinct that security guards in Chicago were prohibited from using it, ensuring the band remained a symbol reserved for sworn police officers.

The checkerboard became a universal mark of public service — professionalism, vigilance, and unity among those who protect and serve.

For Wake and District, this design is more than inspiration; it’s inheritance. The pattern is literally woven into the fabric of who we are — appearing in our kilt pin, band tie, kilt flashes, and cufflinks. Each detail is a nod to our roots and to those who built this band with dedication and dignity. It connects us to the Chicago Police tradition and to every first responder who has carried that same spirit of service into the circle.

So when you see the checkered Glengarry in our circle, know it’s more than a style choice (and definitely not a nod to NASCAR). It’s a statement of identity, gratitude, and continuity — a visual echo of where we came from and what we stand for.

Wake and District remains a reflection of its people — past, present, and future. Every parade, every competition, every solemn performance carries forward the legacy of service that shaped our beginning.

Question for readers:

How does your band, organization, or team keep its history alive through symbols and traditions?