Seldom a police funeral without pipers down here, appropriated culture? Perhaps. But keep in mind, the original 13 colonies had a fair share of Scots-Irish immigrants, some say 200,000 or so.
The military? Clearly appropriated, but only meant as an honor to respect the courage and sheer grit of the Scots-Irish as warriors. If English military history tells us anything at all...when things went to schidt for the Brits, the first thing said was, "Send in the Scots". Mimicry is the highest form of flattery.
I'm surprised at the use of pipers in the US given it's historic disassociation with the British. I guess the Scots and Irish faired better in US military culture.
Here in Canada, the pipes are very common at military functions and similar events given our long history with the British. We still recognize the monarchy, be it symbolic nonetheless.
