The veterans are out this weekend, passing out poppies. Since I'm a veteran's wife and mother, I am grateful for what they've done and glad to contribute. It was also good to talk to one of them. For years, I've been bothered by the fact that so many are dying without buglers to play "Taps" or men to be honor guards for the casket. Instead, "Taps" is canned. Ugh! Such disrespect for men and women who gave so much for us.
I met an American Legion member one day several years ago and suggested to him that 2 high school band trumpeters be hired to play "Taps" and ROTC members be used as honor guards for the casket. His response was that the school wouldn't let them out. Disappointed, I forgot about it until I saw the veteran today. I mentioned it again.
He said proudly, "We got them,now." Two high school band members will either use their trumpets or learn to play the bugle on behalf of our veterans. It's about time! Kids are excused from school to attend events, play sports, go on family vacations, and who knows what else. It wouldn't hurt them to spend an hour at a funeral. It will teach them of the sacrifices made so they can attend events, play sports, or go on family vacations. It could form a bond between the generations. Lord knows we need that.
When our boys were growing up, they used to sit in open mouthed awe as one or the other grandparent would talk about life in years gone by. We need to make an effort to somehow bring the youth together with our seniors and this is one way to do it.
Sebastian is very proud of its band. They've won awards all over the place. Apparently, we also have a strong ROTC. Any student expecting to attend college must have some sort of community service included in their application. What better way to perform community service than to perfomr a service for our vets?
Pass it on! Let's honor all of them, no matter where in this great country they lived.
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