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Monday, May 28, 2012

The 'Last Full Measure': Buglers Return to Play 'Taps'

WASHINGTON - The heavy rain stopped and the heavens opened up with brilliant, warm sunshine after days of constant rain in April 2009. Dodging small pools of water, the crowd approached the nurse's statue at the south end of the memorial. Chatting quietly as they approached, three striking figures, wearing blue military style uniforms came into view.

A woman bookended by two men turned and faced the statue. She slowly raised a white, gloved hand into a salute. The men each raised a shiny bugle to their lips and after a short, reverent moment of silence, began to play "Taps".

A small crowd gathered around them. Some cried as they listened. Others placed their hands over their hearts and closed their eyes. As the last of the notes trailed off into the air, a few people broke out into applause. Some just turned and walked away as silently as they approached. Still others, curious about what they had just witnessed approached them to ask what the occasion was.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

At Wicomico County War Veterans Memorial today during TAPS, even at attention and saluting, my eyes wandered over the crowd.Like me, not many dry eyes.
Many THANKS to the WCWVM committee for for todays rememberance.
Old Navy.

Anonymous said...

Just hearing taps cause people's eyes to water up.