Breznikar a Veteran of 'Taps'

The talent came in handy during World War II when the army sent him to Italy and up to what was known as French Algiers. "When Rommel (Germany's 'Desert Fox' commander) was defeated, the Captain asked me to play," Breznikar said.

The Purple Heart recipient (for war wounds sustained in 1944) figures that he has played Taps at "hundreds and hundreds" of ceremonies and funeral services for veterans over the years.

Words and message within the music:

"Taps"

Day is done.
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,

From the sky,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.

Ernie Breznikar

CLE ELUM, (Seattle) WA – At the Veterans Program at Walter Strom Middle School, you'll hear "Taps" played by Cle Elum resident Ernie Breznikar.

He estimates that he's been playing the haunting tune for veterans services in the upper county since 1946, shortly after returning from World War II.

"I started playing when I was in fifth grade," Breznikar recalled of his first experience playing the trumpet.

When Douglas Munro was returned from Guadalcanal for burieal at Cle Elum's Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Breznikar was on hand to play Taps during the service.

Even now he plays taps at veteran funeral services as well as Memorial Day ceremonies like the program atthe middle school.

Taps is more than a melody, however. The song originated from the Civil War. Its tune and words continue to move Americans more than a century later.

Fading Light,
Dims the sight,
And a star,
Gems the sky.

Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky.

As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.