Given the recent articles about honoring our heroes by playing Taps, I feel compelled to set the record straight. The photos accompanying these articles depict “buglers” holding instruments, suggesting they are playing Taps. However, these individuals are holding bugles with visible digital playback devices in the bell, and they are merely pressing a button to play a pre- recorded version of Taps. Describing these honor guard members as playing Taps is misleading and an affront to those of us who perform Taps on a real bugle or trumpet.
The articles should clarify that these individuals are using e-bugles or digital bugles. Such devices should only be used when a real bugler is not available. Two outstanding organizations, Taps for Veterans and Bugles Across America, provide actual buglers free of charge. If a bugler is needed for a ceremony or a veteran’s funeral, one can visit www.TapsForVeterans.org or BuglesAcross America.org and request a bugler. The request is sent to numerous nearby members, and an assignment is typically accepted within 24 hours.
There have been instances where a digital bugle’s battery has died mid-performance, or the device has played the wrong song. Our heroes deserve better than this. Digital bugles should only be a last resort when a real bugler is unavailable.
Jay Copenhaver
New Stanton The writer is bugler for Youngwood VFW Post 211.