Bugles and buglers

This is an interesting story that cropped up in the Google News reader this morning about a Louisiana native searching for his grandfathers WWI bugle. This group plays taps at military funerals. There is no cost to, or charge for, the rendering of Taps for the families of our deceased military heroes. Bugles Across America can be reached at www.buglesacrossamerica.org. The article further stated this:

He returned to the United States April 2, 1919, but was killed at the age of 32 when the car in which he was riding crashed in the Steubenville area.

I have two family members who passed on in this way after coming home from war and know of several others that have passed on in this way too....  It somewhat baffles the mind, that after surviving the harrowing details of war, that they then die in a car wreck.

This photo of a particular bugle is from the Civil War era, found with a Google Image search and from Pennsylvania.  In the details of the image its states that its former owners were first stationed at Ft. Delaware.  Young Sanders Center has a listing of Louisiana Civil War soldiers who died at this civil war prison. Ft. Delaware, was NOT a great place to be during the Civil War if you were a Confederate.  If you like, you can visit Ft. Delaware Society on facebook.

One of the things my family enjoyed doing together was camping.  But one of the things my family also enjoyed was complaining about our bugler waking us up every morning at camp!  We were sure not to miss our mornings during vacation, however.

I am also reminded of our late friend Dr. Thornton, who brought a smile to my face because he very lightheartedly video taped a bagpiper playing at his grave site - well before he passed on.  He was sure not to miss it and kindly invited the world to view it on his blog. It survives as a virtual memorial service, for those of us who could not attend his funeral. I took comfort in that --  R.I.P. friend!