Taps, played on the humble bugle, has been a lasting tribute to America's fallen servicemembers and veterans since the Civil War. Trained buglers who can play the somber melody, which was designated as the 'National Song of Remembrance' by Congress in 2012, are in short supply requiring America's final salute to often be played electronically. Eugene Russell, an Army veteran and VA photographer, has been sounding Taps for the past 38 years. He put those skills to use recently at Quantico National Cemetery. Russell took time off from work to sound Taps for five funeral services in one day. As a fellowvVeteran, he serves other veterans and their families. For more information, read the VA VAntage Point Blog and visit the Bugles Across America website.
For more on burial and memorial benefits, visit the Military.com Burial and Memorial Benefits section.
