The Fourth of July may have passed, but the enduring message that America is the “home of the free because of the brave” resonates with Gary Marquardt throughout the year.
Marquardt serves as the Minnesota state director for Bugles Across America, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that military funerals feature a live, free rendition of taps by a bugler.
Taps, with its instantly recognizable 24 notes, takes about a minute to play. The bugle call dates back to the Civil War when it was used to signal lights out and has evolved into a profound symbol of respect for those who have served and sacrificed in the military.
“Taps is one of the most amazing pieces of music,” said Marquardt, who plays the tune more than 100 times a year. “It’s like a prayer or a psalm. It should be played live at every veteran’s funeral.”
Raised as the son of a World War II veteran, Marquardt always assumed that he would be drafted into the Vietnam War. In a decisive move, he married on the day of his college graduation. Despite these preparations, he never served in the military due to being classified as 4F, ineligible for service due to a duodenal ulcer.
Marquardt felt compelled to learn the bugle after attending a veteran’s funeral where he was disappointed to see that only a recording, rather than a live performance, was used. Driven to make a difference, he searched online for opportunities and discovered Bugles Across America.
“I started taking lessons, but playing outside is a lot different than playing inside,” said Marquardt. “I would go to my boathouse at my home on Casco Point and play taps at sunset. At first I got ridiculed, but with time I got better and boats started showing up to hear me play. A few years ago, there were over 300 boats on the Fourth of July.”
Initially, Marquardt would visit funeral homes and local organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), where he distributed his card.
Now, as director, he personally oversees every bugler request that comes in and assigns one of his 172 buglers statewide. These buglers volunteer their services out of a deep sense of conviction, receiving no compensation for their efforts.
Playing at funerals carries significant pressure, and initially, Marquardt grappled with performance anxiety. He discovered relief through a course at The Juilliard School, which provided valuable tips for overcoming it.
“The most emotional funerals I play at are the ones where the only people there are the priest and the funeral director,” said Marquardt. “Services for victims of suicides and young people are also particularly tough.”
One of Marquardt’s most personal experiences was playing at the funeral of his friend who was killed in the Vietnam War and never received proper military honors. Decades later, Marquardt discovered that his friend was buried near his father in the same cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Determined to honor his friend’s memory, Marquardt ensured he finally received the honors he deserved.
Playing taps has also connected Marquardt with individuals he otherwise wouldn’t have encountered. One of these is Manny Laureano, principal trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra and a member of Bugles Across America, who has become Marquardt’s teacher.
After relocating from Casco Point to the Three Points area of Mound a couple of years ago, Marquardt and his wife found themselves still able to glimpse the lake, though no longer right on its shores. This change prompted Marquardt to seek out a new venue for his bugling: the Shoreline Hotel in Spring Park.
“Boats are starting to show up now, but I play for the veterans, not for the boats,” Marquardt emphasized. “Every taps performance is meaningful.”
For more information about Bugles Across America, visit https://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/ .
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