Taps.

[Southern Breeze]

I never knew such an organization existed.

I'm a trumpet player. Most recently I played on Sunday, October 30 at a Right to Life concert. The concert featured several original works from the music director at my previous church.

I, too, have played taps at a couple funerals, though I'm not affiliated with any group or organization.

I may have to look into this further and see if I can volunteer my services. I know Ft. Snelling National Cemetary currently has volunteer buglers, but I've also heard they are advancing in age.

I'm also ex-military. I was in the Army Reserves for 10 years before I resigned my commission. My unit was mobilized in 1990 for the first Gulf War. Our assignment was stateside, but important to soldier's morale. (We processed all mail for overseas shipment).

Unrelated, my son is starting to learn the trumpet this year. He has the desire to sound bugle calls in the future when he attends Boy Scout camps. Once he becomes proficient, I may have to add him to the list of bulgers as well.

By all means,check out Bugles Across America and Taps bugler.Volunteer if you can.The Boy Scouts have a rich tradition of bugling.You don't have to be a veteran,active or not to play at funerals.Willing and able is all.

[highlander_Daz]

Sunday is rememberance Sunday (nearest Sunday to the 11th Nov) Im playing with a pipe band In England helping out a friends band, ive got the loan of a nice "House of Edgar" 8 yard Black stuart for the day as well !! Ill try and take some pics.

[Sherry]

That would be great, Daz.

Anybody else participating in parades, service, & such?

Sherry

[Southern Breeze]

I'll be playing at seven or eight cemeteries friday.I'll be on my own and not part of any group.This is to honor my family and friends who served.

[macgreggor]

Southern Breeze,

My son, for now plays the trombone. He is always looking for a new and challenging piece to learn. While I know that the registers are different, the trombone is not traditional, my son at 12 is very young, we do have a tradtion of service in our family. While we seldom agree with the reasons and justifications our 'leaders' give for putting our folks at risk, the soldiers should be remembered and honored as they are laid to rest. Given all that is there a reason for Taylor to learn 'Taps' other than his own satisfaction?

macG

[Southern Breeze]

Southern Breeze,

My son, for now plays the trombone. He is always looking for a new and challenging piece to learn. While I know that the registers are different, the trombone is not traditional, my son at 12 is very young, we do have a tradtion of service in our family. While we seldom agree with the reasons and justifications our 'leaders' give for putting our folks at risk, the soldiers should be remembered and honored as they are laid to rest. Given all that is there a reason for Taylor to learn 'Taps' other than his own satisfaction?

macG

If your son wants to learn Taps,check out tapsbugler.com.However,it's a bugle call and not for the trombone.Still,check it out.Also,if your son is a boyscout,there is a lot on bugling with them.

[chasem]

Southern Breeze,

My son, for now plays the trombone. He is always looking for a new and challenging piece to learn. While I know that the registers are different, the trombone is not traditional, my son at 12 is very young, we do have a tradtion of service in our family.
macG

How long has your son been playing trombone? I've played for roughly 9 years now, though not as much in the past two.

[Riverkilt]

Thanks Breeze,

Our little town only started having Veteran's Day parades five years ago. This is the first year the local high school band joined us and the first year there were tributes in the city park after the parade.

As a finale' one of the young men in the high school band blew Taps on his trumpet. He did it perfectly and hauntingly.

Usually Taps tears me up. Yesterday I was preoccupied by an old Marine, I know to be crazy from Nam, who turned out in full field gear and an M-14 with magazines taped back to back. One of the VFW honchos, a local judge, very quietly asked the guy to at least put away the magazines for the parade. He did.

Not sure if preoccupation was for the M-14, been 40 years since I've seen one...or knowing the guy was crazy and had them magazines tucked away. He also had a gernade on his belt and the kids all asked him if it was real...he never answered.

Looking back, I really believe the power and reverence of Taps kept the crazy guy from getting anything but sentimental.

Ron