The entire Grave Side Services for JFK
The Funeral Services for JFK
Tags: 1963, assassination, funeral, JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, president, taps
The Broken Note-Story of Taps at the Funeral of John F. Kennedy
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One of the greatest opportunities I have had in my life was to study trumpet with Keith C. Clark. He often talked about the honor he had to play for the presidents funeral. He was an extremely humble man whos christian faith showed through everything he did. I truly believed it even showed through his playing of taps for the Kennedy Funeral. He was touched by the emotion for the moment but especially moved by his God and savior Jesus Christ. He would have wanted it perfect but i believe God used his mistake to show people the love of God at such an important time in the history of our country. I wish there were more men like Keith C. Clark in the world. His humble spirit was great for a man who had such great talent.
I remember hearing it live, and at the moment, I winced, and felt sorry for the bugler. It was only after some time passed that I “realized” that he must have been crying so heavily that he momentarily lost control. Now, it seems, I can not even believe this story anymore. Ain’t life the darndest thing you ever saw?
I would love to hear some experiences from buglers regarding how to cope with nerves before a performance. I can play taps perfectly over and over again, but really fold under pressure. Anyone have some good tips?
I was but a baby of 5 years,yet I remcall my Mother & Dad openly crying over the anouncement of JFK’s passing.My dad was in the Army in WWI/II,awarded the Purple as so many others and Honorably Distcharged.I was in the Cub Scouts right through to Boy Scouts and a bugler there.I also served in the Army and for a time played bugle there-in,too.I whatched the BAA performance on PBS TV last year and imediatly afterwards joined.I am yet to have the local honor to play,yet am in no-way in a hurry that any local vet should pass.Belonging also to the local Knights of Columbus Council 3978…;I vow to practice & play with respect.
– Mr.Wright,M.D.
US Army,Dissabled Vet.
[...] [...]
A year ago I joined “Bulgles Across America” after having never played in the last 40 years. Since then, I’ve been practicing about an hour a week thinking I needed to be perfect. Not long into my efforts, I came across the JFK rendition… Going forward, when asked to play, I’ll not hesitate… My two concerns were that I’d mess up or break down during the tribute.. In reflection, neither will matter. Bill
On Friday November 22, 1963 I was in high school biology class. After cramming @ 2,500 baby boomers into the old band / school play stage / basketball court at an assembly we were told of the assassination.
Many of the young girls swooned, fainted and openly cried. The entire week end the country was essentially on hold. No other news mattered except the assassination and funeral to come.
To be very honest, I think the so-called “cracked note” went unnoticed by most people at that time, I did not recall it and I was in Band !
America at that time was not a 24 / 7, instant news cycle [ however we knew very quickly when JFK died ] America at that time accepted human triumph and failure and to me, the “cracked note” demonstrates a human character, we are all flawed. America itself was “cracked”, if you will.
Having played Taps for a few years now, having “cracked” many a note, certainly rarely playing as well Live as in practice session, it is my opinion this is one of the cornerstones of a Taps Bugler and my feeling is Americans, especially Veterans remained moved by the human element the Taps Bugler provides ‘cracks’ and all.
Semper fidelis [ 1968 - 74 ]
Jim Hixson PFC, USMC, Retired
I was in Jr. High, must have been 8th grade, when the announcement came over the loud speaker. It was like a pall was cast over the school, and the nation. It was like everything came to a stop. I watched the funeral but do not remember the cracked note. I am an active trumpter and have played Taps at many, many military funerals. I consider this a privilege and honor.
this is a truly moving story. I cant imagine how nerve-wracking it would be to play taps at the largest funeral for one of your greatest leaders. wow.
To me, the broken note represents a glitch in our strong country, one which had been hit by an evil force and hurt but not destroyed. The entire ceremony was precise, detailed and filled with emotion…the note missed seemed to bring to mind that we aren’t ever perfect, yet we do survive.
During the 1990′s Keith Clark was living at Port Charlotte, Florida. I had
the priviledge of traveling there to study trumpet with Keith. He played
in my British style brass band, The Southerners British Brass Band, of
Naples, Ft. Myers, Florida, during that time. Keith was a professional
musician, an excellent teacher, and a fine gentleman. May God bless
his soul and grant him peace.
Respectfully,
former S/Sgt. Robert B. Thurston
425th 2nd Army Band
I was watching the Memorial Day concert and remembered the cracked note.
I was only 10 years old at the time of John Kennedy’s funeral, off from school for three days mourning, home watching the TV with everyone else in America, I guess, and that sour note, during the sounding of “Taps” has resounded in my memory ever since. I have mentioned it to others over the years, all whom thought I was crazy. I have never read about it, heard mention of it from others, nor been able to find any reference of it, anywhere……..until now. I was just watching an HBO program, “A President to Remember”, and I heard “Taps” being played at the service at Arlington again, and there was the cracked note. Funny, the things you remember from when you were a kid.
I was 12-years old when JFK was murdered and was my Detroit’s grade school’s top trumpet player, so I was directed to play Taps at an outdoor memorial assembly for the president. I cracked the exact same note. It was my first public performance of Taps. In the nearly 50 years since, I’ve played Taps at dozens of funeral and hundreds of Retreat ceremonies at the Air Force Academy during my cadet days. Never broke the note but that once. Seems rather odd, eh?
Sincerely yours,
ALLAN HOWEY
Colonel, USAF, Retired