A Bugle Call Remembered: Taps at the Funeral of John F. Kennedy
On Saturday November 16, 2013 Taps for Veterans, an organization that helps provide buglers for military funerals, hosted “A Bugle Call Remembered: Taps at the Funeral of John F. Kennedy”, at Arlington National Cemetery. 
The event was organized by Jari Villanueva, retired Air Force bandsmen and noted Taps historian. Over 100 buglers from twenty-four states made the trip to the Washington DC area. The event celebrated the life and career of Keith Clark (1927-2002), who spent twenty years as a member of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Clark is perhaps best known for sounding Taps at JFK’s funeral on November 25th, 1963.
The day began with a ceremony at Arlington’s Old Amphitheater. TUSAB “Pershing’s Own”, conducted by 1LT Silas Huff, provided music for the program. Villanueva welcomed participants and gave a historical overview of the events surrounding Clark’s performance at Kennedy’s funeral, including the famous missed sixth note. The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard presented the colors, followed by Col. William Sean Lee giving the invocation. Remarks were heard by Jack Lechner Jr., Deputy Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery; Nancy Joy McColley, Clark’s daughter; and James Swanson, noted JFK author and historian. McColley gave unique insight into her father’s famous rendition of Taps. She spoke about Clark’s character and dedication to his profession, and speculated on how difficult that day must have been for him. Swanson recounted fascinating details about JFK’s assassination, like Mrs. Kennedy not leaving JFK’s side until almost 4am the morning after his death. Musical selections included a stirring performance of Mist Covered Mountains, performed by members of the original United States Air Force Pipe Band, who at the request of Mrs. Kennedy, performed that same piece at the graveside service for the late president prior to his internment at Arlington. The event came to a stirring closure when Colonel Michael J. Colburn, Director of the “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, conducted a mass sounding of Taps, that was followed by a special harmonized arrangement of Taps.
The buglers in attendance were later assigned predetermined locations throughout the cemetery. After the noon bells tolled, each bugler sounded Taps at their respective sites. The sound echoing through the cemetery was haunting. At 1:15, Clark’s family was given the honor laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The final event of the day was a special showing of the documentary The Bugler’s Statue: Capturing a Moment produced by MSG Les Owen of TUSAB “Pershing’s Own”. The film chronicled SSG Jess Tubb of TUSAB “Pershing’s Own”, who was the model for the bugler statue that is the centerpiece of Arlington’s newly remodeled welcome center. SSG Tubb was on hand after the conclusion of the film to greet and pose for pictures with attendees.
Source: Dr. Marc Reed, Fort Lewis College, Fort Lewis, CO