Dear Editor:
After reading the article on page 2A, in the May 29th edition of the Times regarding the playing of taps at the funeral service of veterans. Article pertained to "Bugles Across America".
I should like to address the picture of the Bugler playing taps at the Memorial Day Ceremony that took place in Sugar Grove. That bugler was me and I was very shocked to see it prominently displayed on the front page of the Times Observer.
The following reasons will explain my shock...#1. I am not a veteran, I was asked to join the honor guard, and I accepted because, I have three brothers that served during WWII and of which two are still alive, and I think that I may honor them by becoming involved with this very special rite. #2. I did not physically play the bugle, the music was electronically produced. After a few days I became some what a celeb with the locals and a number of them actually thought that I blew those tributes. It was then that I realized that perhaps that was the reason for picture on the front page.
I do not want to misrepresent myself...I am not a vet. ...there are many veterans and many others far more worthy than myself, and it is their picture that should have made the front page.
I apologize for offending anyone,it is not, and was not my intention, but the following may offend you. When asked to serve on the Honor Guard, it was expected that I purchase a uniform. The cost was $28, for that money I received a beautiful outfit. The problem is that almost all of the clothes are made in CHINA.
I want to make it very clear I am not attacking the local Vets clubs. It is my opinion that in many cases it is simply a matter of money and the lack of finding anything made in the USA, however I think this problem needs to be addressed and corrected.
If I am blowing this issue out of proportions....I am sure that future letters to this forum will prove me incorrect. I would like to think there is someone....somewhere...that would love to contract American made uniforms at a reasonable cost ...regarding Buglers...how about each club sponsoring a bugle player trainee...I think there are kids out in the local schools that would love to learn to play the bugle. You don't have to be a vet to serve a vet. I wonder what "BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA" would speculate on my picture on the font page blowing electronic taps and wearing clothes made in CHINA at a service for a Korean War Vet or Nam Vet.....Did we not fight the Chinese in these conflicts?
Respectively Submitted,
Paul Tutmaher
Sugar Grove