Bobby Baird again participates in 'Taps Across America' observance
May 29—WILKES-BARRE — Bobby Baird, the renowned trumpet player whose career includes four years as the soloist for the U.S. Navy Band, stood proudly on Memorial Day and again played "Taps" to honor America's fallen heroes.
Baird, 93, with his wife, Pat, 90, at his side, played "Taps" at The Gardens at East Mountain, as about 65 residents and staff paused to remember all who gave their lives to keep America free.
"I have played 'Taps' more times than I care to remember," Baird said. "But I am always honored to play it for our fallen heroes."
Baird said he has played "Taps" at Arlington National Cemetery and on many other occasions.
"Taps Across America" — the National Moment of Remembrance — that is held annually on Memorial Day, asks Americans — wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day — to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States.
Baird knows of the sacrifices of so many soldiers. That's why he again proudly sounded "Taps" at 3 p.m. on Monday.
The "Taps Across America" features veterans, musicians, teachers and students of all abilities and ages playing "Taps" on their front lawns, porches and driveways.
Baird said more than 10,000 people participate in "Taps Across America" every year.
The "Taps for America" website states:
"For one brief moment, we're all united in a common cause — to honor and remember."
The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying time off from work for the national holiday.
"The Moment" was first proclaimed in May 2000 for Memorial Day that year, and was put in law by the United States Congress in December 2000.
Baird said he has played "Taps" every year on Memorial Day at 3 p.m., since the program began in 2000.
Baird emphatically says that all Americans must never forget the sacrifices that veterans made for us for our freedom — especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives.
Baird and his wife have four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Before and after Baird played "Taps," he sat next to his wife and played several more patriotic songs, including "America the Beautiful," "God Bless America," and "My Country 'Tis of Thee." The residents and staff enjoyed every song.
A local legend, Baird was 18 when he took the stage with the U.S. Navy Band's Sextet at President Harry S. Truman's Inaugural Ball in 1949 — an experience he still recalls vividly.
Baird, who turned 93 on April 26, has been performing for 87 years, playing his first solo at age 5 for his grandfather, Arch Baird.
Baird's life path has crossed with the likes of Ed Sullivan, Esther Williams, Al Hirt, Harry James, Rosemary Clooney, Louis Armstrong, Peggy Lee, Julius Larosa and many more, including several U.S. presidents.
Taps Across America is sponsored by Taps for Veterans, an organization dedicated to finding buglers for funerals and memorial services.
Taps Across America was first televised in 2020 as a way to commemorate Memorial Day during the COVID pandemic with performers sounding "Taps" in their neighborhoods during the National Moment of Remembrance.
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Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
