A Tradition Of ‘Taps' On Memorial Day
LAMPASAS / KEMPNER, Texas (FOX 44) — Storms canceled many Memorial Day events, including the traditional 'Taps' in Kempner. But one veteran who also plays 'Taps' for any veterans or veteran's family who requests her to play it live found a way to play it anyway.
Jennifer Fitzgerald has been playing 'Taps' on the trumpet and cornet for 46 years. She traditionally plays 'Taps' at Sylvia Tucker Memorial Park in Kempner. However, storms washed away the Memorial Day morning event. So, she played 'Taps' anyhow – at her Lampasas business. She stressed she plays 'Taps' with respectful emotion each and every time.
'It's an honor and a privilege to honor the people who have fallen for our rights and for our freedoms,' Jennifer said. 'It's a remembrance for people to realize that freedom isn't free. Families have lost loved ones. Soldiers have lost other soldiers, and we need to keep in mind what Memorial Day is all about.'
She also played 'Taps' on Memorial Day to honor the holiday's impact.
'Patriotism, honor for our country and for the fallen,' Jennifer said. 'Memorial Day is about the people who have lost their lives, so just knowing that they are appreciated, they're honored, and we need not to take that for granted.'
Jennifer added she'll play 'Taps' for free for any veteran or family of a veteran who requests her to play. Jennifer said she can be contacted at (254) 291-5510.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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