Fake bugles and taps at military funerals?

Question

I have been to several funerals of U.S. Army soldiers and U.S. Marines in the past year and have NEVER heard taps played...the Soldier/Marine uses an electronic device in the bugle that plays for him. I went today to the funeral of a U.S. Marine and the bugler was standing across from the Patriot Guard Riders and he didn't even breath as taps was being played! A young school friend of mine who plays trumpet/bugle, etc said she'd be more than happy to play taps FOR REAL. What is with the military anymore that it doesn't have buglers who can play taps?

Answer 1

You have to understand, most honor guards are made up of members of National Guard Units or Reserve Units that volunteer for the duty.

The US military just does not have enough troops to supply a regulation honor guard at every veteran funeral.

Remember, the WWll veterans are all around 80 years old now.

When my best friends dad pssed away, he was a Three war Marine ( WWll, Korea, Vietnam).

The Marine Reserve unit in Nashville, had 8 Marines volunteer to take a day off their regular work, to be his Honor Guard at his funeral, since it was during the middle of the week.

You can't ask for anymore that that, Those Marines each lost 20% of his pay check that week, to Honor another Marine.

So they played Taps from an electronic source, does it really matter ?

Answer 2

Electronic Bugle

Answer 3

I've played taps at my grandfathers funeral, my cousins, and countless other veterans funerals. If you can play a trumpet, just call your local VFW or American Legion post and tell em you'd like to volunteer your time.

If you need a quick buck, I'm in college so the free meal is more then fair, you can call some local funeral homes and work with them. Most the families I play for just thrust money in my face even when I tell them its cool.

On a side note, please make sure you can play taps PERFECTLY before you do this, it is NOT a difficult song and I'd rather hear a tapped recording then someone "honoring" a veteran by slaughting taps.

Answer 4

If you need someone to render Taps and do not know a bugler., see if there is a local chapter of Bugles Across America. A lot of the buglers are former military and sometimes you can get someone who was a member of the deceased's branch.

Answer 5

Not enough buglers, too many vets passing away.

My father died Dec 15, & we were lucky enough to have an honor guard. 2 men, one a medic, first shirt, with more fruit salad on his chest than you'd believe possible.
The other, a buck sgt, QM corp, who had a last name that you could use for an eye chart,

The buck sgt played taps, and there wasn't a dry eye there.
My thanks to the US Army.
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i mentioned to the undertaker, why not get a high school trumpet player. The response,
well, getting them out of classes might be a problem.(Translation- the school would have to make a decision)

Answer 6

Piped music is played every day for colors, too.

(My dad's funeral got a real 8 person team with 7 guns and a real bugler.)

Answer 7

Are you interested in becoming that bugler? I can set you up with a audition and we can make this happen.

Answer 8

American Legion has been trying to address this sad state of affairs. You may want to contact your local Legion Post or the D.A.V.. I know what you are saying, they defended this nation and they get a recording! That's pathetic. Start Contacting Congress and Senate..if we can afford to subsidize other nations, we can support our Vets living, disabled and deceased!

Answer 9

When my fiance died in 1998, the Navy sent out a secretary with a tape recorder.

Answer 10

It is what it is... Even though it's f*cked up, it's better than having a tape player playing it.