Every time I prepare to play Taps, I feel a sense of nerves. It’s a familiar tension in my chest, reminding me that this moment isn’t about me; it’s about the honor and solemnity of what I’m about to do. I wish more buglers would step forward because every veteran deserves to receive this tribute live, rather than from a recording. My nerves serve as a reminder of the gravity of the occasion and the deep respect owed to those we are honoring.
Every burial is special, every life significant. That brief, haunting melody carries the weight of a final farewell, a nation’s gratitude, and the quiet prayers of family and friends. If my nerves help me remember that every time, then I welcome them. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence and purpose. That’s why we need more buglers—people willing to feel that same weight, to ensure no veteran is forgotten. If you can play the trumpet or if you are willing to learn please consider contacting us at Bugles Across America. Even just two funerals a year could mean so much to veterans and their families.