— by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor —
When CBS News “On the Road” correspondent Steve Hartman, along with retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, asked Americans across the country — veterans, musicians, teachers, and students of all abilities and age — to sound “Taps” at 3 p.m., local time on Monday, May 25, the clarion call reached two islanders.
The call was heeded by islanders Karen Key Speck, on the euphonium, and Pat Muffett, trumpet. At the end of Scenic lane in the Bartwood area with the water and rocky beach in the background, they filled the air with the hauntingly familiar sound.
The musical piece is composed of only 24 notes and is often completed in under one minute. Normally played at military funerals across the country, “Taps” has a history dating back to the Civil War. It is also familiar to anyone who has been on a military installation at the close of day.
Speck was playing for her father Bud Key who flew a Grumman TBF Avenger during WW2. Muffett was playing for his uncle Imon Muffett, a radio man (nicknamed Radar) in the Army during the war.
thanks for posting, at least 8 members of Orcas Community Band did this all over the island..we should do this every time.
So sweet! Thank you Karen and Pat for taking the CBS Sunday Morning challenge. I hope many Orcas residents all over the island who play trumpets, coronets or even a bagpipes will do this every year on Memorial Day so that it may carry over the Sound for all to hear! There is a gentleman in Tacoma who comes out on his balcony every evening at sundown and does exactly that. A subtle reminder of just how fortunate we are.
THANK YOU.
John