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Taps Across America

Ed Townsend - Columnist
Posted 6/1/20

Americans with tears in their eyes and a heart full of gratitude said “Thank You” on Memorial Day to all who have given each American Citizen the Freedom we sometimes take for granted.

As …

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Taps Across America

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Americans with tears in their eyes and a heart full of gratitude said “Thank You” on Memorial Day to all who have given each American Citizen the Freedom we sometimes take for granted.

As our nation remembered the honored dead who paid the ultimate price for freedom, a solo rendition of “Taps” took place nationwide at 3 p.m. and cut through the self-absorption of America's focus on the coronavirus reminding Americans of the eternal values that have called forth patriots to defend liberty from the days of Lexington down through Afghanistan and Iraq.

May we never forget the debt of gratitude we owe the military veterans that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The unique circumstances of Memorial Day 2020 meant few Americans could hear a version of “Taps” live.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis prevented most of the country from commemorating our fallen heroes in traditional ways through parades and large public ceremonies.

Thank God small groups held ceremonies and stood up for the men and women who keep us safe with honors for our sons and daughters who were lost in conflicts and wars.

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln stood on the battlefield at Gettysburg and implored America “to resolve fully that the war dead shall not have died in vain.”

This year two prominent Sullivan County residents, and there may have been others who we are not aware of, Michael Williams, Superintendent of the Tri-Valley Central School District and Gary Siegel, former director of music at Liberty Central High School and now president of CD Trips took part in the “Taps Across America” event where buglers and trumpeters played taps at 3 p.m. Memorial Day.

Gary played Taps from his porch and Michael out on his front doorstep.

Michael noted his neighbors across the street came out and thanked him and applauded and that he received “a bunch of positive feedback.”

Both of their solo performances were on Facebook.

Ed Townsend provides year around "Beyond The News"coverage in this column with over 60-years of photojournalism analysis and insight. The column can also be read on his Web blog at http://bght.blogspot.com

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