Veterans Day Salute

Swapped duty presents a surprising opportunity

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations, dedicated the Veterans’ Memorial in Bath, Steuben County, New York, on 25 August 1946. Here, he stands up in an open convertible and greets the crowd. (photo courtesy of Naval History & Heritage Command)

The week before Veterans Day, 1984, found me still free and clear. I had transferred to Navy Band Newport (Rhode Island) over the summer from Naples, Italy, and I expected to be busier for the holiday. Tim had asked me to swap his week as duty bugler at the last minute, and as a friend, I felt obliged. I hadn’t been assigned to the parade in Dorchester, and no other calls or requests had come in. As a trumpeter, I’ve played Taps at funerals and ceremonies of all types, and I was surprised to be free on Veterans Day.

Late on Thursday, the Chief pulled me aside. Sure enough, a small town near New Haven had called when a retired Army bugler they had planned on had to cancel. I didn’t mind the last-minute engagement at all and thought it would be nice to get to an area that I wasn’t that familiar with.

I arrived at the small town early, had a late breakfast in a local diner, and changed into my uniform in the restroom. As I tried to pay my tab, the server told me it had been taken care of — motioning to a gentleman with a ship’s ball cap in the corner. The Vet saluted me, and I thanked him with a wave.

I started for the door but turned to really thank him and maybe ask him about his ship (Vets always like talking about their ship). As I approached his table I…