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I've been playing the bugle for 38 years and sounding TAPS for 24 years and I hit the milestone of my 4000th detail by recently having the honor of sounding TAPS for a Navy Veteran named Dennis Shannon. Not that the number matters but just realizing how many families have been honored over the past 22 years alongside his. The commander who was on the funeral detail pulled me aside, thanked me, and told me that he was declaring me honorary Navy. He's heard of me and knows that I travel the country on my own dime to honor our Veterans. I can't begin to tell you how that made me feel.
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When I show up for a detail , I feel it's the last nicest, honorable thing that I can do for someone. These are the times when I feel my service is most pure. I don't do this to receive a pat on the back or even a thank you. I do it to serve. I'm personally grateful because it has given me a place to serve those who have served.
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Sounding TAPS on a real horn, using my own breath.
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This is the call, the call to follow others and to honor those who made all this happen. The Soldiers. And as it was the American Soldier who always stood in the front line. I will always be the first in my nation to say Thank You.
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TAPS - the music that leads a brave ones soul to eternity.