1. Debbie Hibbs September 17, 2011

   Hello Sir,
   My father is buried in Arlington Section 60 lot 275 his name is SGM Arthur Charles Pine. This is a very emotional song and I am sure it was meant to be, Thank you for what you do. I appreciate that this was played at my father’s funeral. Thank-you to tall the soldiers and I wish I could have been there that day August 8th in 2007 but my father did not die of natural causes and I can not stand there until JUSTICE has been served. Thank-you from “his” ARMY BRAT. Deborah June Pine Hibbs
2. Tom Roberts September 11, 2011

   I have a string ensemble for which we are arranging taps as part of a Civil War medley of tunes. I hope to get it recorded, and will forward same to you. I have one son who is an Army VFW and a son in the AF. I appreciate your service. God bless.
3. cory harrington September 5, 2011

   as a trumpet player myself, i had heard in the past about descrepancies to the origins to taps..i am glad to find your site with the true facts, since i am preparing for a special in church for 9/11…as a retired military vet, its nice to have the “real word” to keep in perspective when honoring our comrades that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation..thankyou very much!!!!
   CORY HARRINGTON, TSGT/E6, USAF (RET)
4. David Bell September 2, 2011

   I appreciated the information about playing straight eighth notes in Taps. I have always played with the dotted eighth! Historical accuracy is important to not to only keep the tradition going,but and time tested also.
5. Luke Klein August 30, 2011

   I am an ex soldier and I have always wanted to learn to play Taps, With the assistance from a friend whom plays instruments… purchased a Bugle for me to learn.. Not musically inclined so this is tuff for me, but will overcome and adapt. Regards… Luke
6. Bob Francis August 24, 2011

   Thank you for having this article available on line. I am presenting a program on Bugles and Bugling at a Rotary Club meeting tomorrow.
   I own about 5 bugles but prefer to play a WWII vintage Japanese Bugle (like ones in Tora Tora Tora). The legend is this Bugle is from Iwo Jima, but in much too good shape.

   Bob Francis
   314 808 0669
7. Brendlyn Jackson August 9, 2011

   Mr. Villanueva,

   Thanks so much for such valuable information on the TAPS melody. I was moved to reading about the history of TAPS because just last night, August 8, 2011, following the attack of the SEALS Team 6 helicopter over the weekend, I heard TAPS being played. It was the first time I had heard it played live and was so moved by it, and felt so much of the pain and heart-felt love and sympathy of the person playing it. My condolences to the military families who have lost loved ones, and so much appreciation and thanks for the commitment of our military men and women. It is so true that, ‘All gave some, but some gave all.

   Sincerely,
8. Vanessa from Atlanta, Ga June 30, 2011

   Hello Jari,

   I am 52, ex-Air National Guard and an ex- junior high and high school marching band flute player. I saw the segment of Bugles Across America on television on Memorial Day and decided to learn trumpet so that I too can play TAPS at the funerals/memorial services of service men and women who have passed away. I just started playing actual notes a week ago. Although it seems impossible to improve, I can tell I am getting better. Practice and technique are key.

   I love what you’ve done in creating this website and in sharing information about what being a bugler is about. Furthermore, I think it’s great that you have clips and snippets showing how a bugle should be played, and how a bugler should carry themselves in ceremony. You are a great example to follow. Thank you.
9. philip fowler June 28, 2011

   Jari,
   I am an ex serving soldier with the australian army who is now 50 is it still possible to learn how to play the bugle and were do i go after here. My goal is to play at my fathers funeral hopefully in many years ( he is 72now) to come he is ex army 30years, me 10years, my brother 17years. Being able to play not only the last post ,revaley,and hopefully taps but many others as well. My kids are just starting to pay attention to what dad grandad and uncle stood for. So any advice would be much appreciated. I love the work you have done and with the passion you have for this subject i am sure you have started something time enduring. Regards phil
10. David W. Wolfe June 16, 2011

    Jari,

    Thank you so much for your research, website, and book. It seems every Memorial Day I get an email about the longer, extended “full version” of “Taps” with a link to the “Il Silencio” video. They don’t sound the same to me, but I have a musical background and I can easily hear the differences. I took Orchestra through all of high school.
    I also was a Boy Scout, and earned the music merit badge. I was planning on learning the bugle and get that badge, too, but my troop folded. Even so, I’ve always been fascinated with bugle calls.
    Since high school, I served 5 years in the USAF, and 25 years in Civil Air Patrol. I remember correcting an airman in tech school on the proper honors for “To the Color.”
    My most recent musical endeavor is singing with a barbershop harmony group, the Twin Mountain Tonesmen. We sang “Taps” in our May show last year with one of our guys playing it on trumpet backstage. The audience was moved by our performance and it was one of the best shows we’ve done in years.
    We publish a newsletter among our members. Since this year’s “Il Silencio” email came from a member (our editor, actually), I thought it appropriate to submit the “real story” for him to publish. I will include tapsbugler.com, taps150.org, your name, and the title of your book as sources. You may email me if this is inappropriate.

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