GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio — It’s a bugle call to honor our fallen military members. Taps is a tradition, the signal of life lost.
“I joined in 1974 and I retired in 1999,” said Graham Webb III, an Army veteran. Now in retirement, Webb spends every Saturday at Grandview Heights Memorial Park. He plays taps and hosts his own personal ceremony to recognize the military members who pass each week.
Webb describes taps, at military funerals, as one of the most hallowing sounds.
“It brings in tradition but it also, even more, it says 'goodbye' and it says ‘thank you,’” he said.
He displays a flag at the memorial for each individual he’s playing for that week. He also lights a candle and leaves a laminated description about each veteran, their service, and death that passers-by can read during the week.
Rain, snow or shine, Webb plays taps year-round, regardless of the weather.
“You know, I have played before to where the bugle froze. There was a block of ice in there! But yes, I’ll be out here regardless," he said.
Webb is encouraged about future generations' respect for our military when neighbors pause from raking leaves, playing soccer and jogging, etc. to listen to his bugle call. He welcomes members of the public to join him each Saturday at 4 p.m.