June 12, 2012 — The familiar sound of “Taps” will flow from 23 trumpets Thursday at the annual Flag Day Ceremony at Freedom Park in downtown Morehead.
The evocative song will take on added significance because this year marks the 150th anniversary of the 24-note melody that’s played at military funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies and memorials to the people and the nation that inspired its composition.
Greg Wing, associate professor of music/trumpet at Morehead State, is a volunteer member of the American Legion Post 126 Honor Guard. He serves as Bugler, and this year invited 22 students from MSU’s Summer Arts Academy to join him in playing “Taps” and “Echo” as part of the 32nd annual Flag Day Ceremony in Morehead.
“I personally feel that performing ‘Taps’ is the honor and duty of every trumpeter,” Wing said.
“We want to engage Summer Arts Academy Students in service learning and civic engagement and the trumpeter must always be able to play ‘Taps’ and ‘Echo’ when called upon,” he added.
Wing said the students began practicing yesterday for Thursday’s ceremony, which will be a first for several of them.
“I know there are many students attending who have never played ‘Taps’ before, and this is a wonderful opportunity for them,” Wing said.
The ceremony also includes opening remarks by Mike Makin, an invocation by Tom Stevens Jr. and a speech by Harry Clark. Lois Hawkins will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and afterward J.R. May will sing “God Bless America.”
Rowan Chief Deputy Sherriff Joe Cline will lead the benediction.
The ceremony begins at noon, and is sponsored by American Legion Post 126, the Rowan County Veterans Foundation and the Rowan County Historical Society.
