Honoring veterans with live Taps: Gary Marquardt on service, loss, and planning meaningful farewells.
In this Memorial Day episode of Party of My Life, host Anne Morehouse talks with Gary Marquardt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-marquardt-99a97313/]about how a lifetime shaped by war, loss, entrepreneurship, and creativity led him to a powerful calling: playing live Taps for veterans’ funerals. Gary shares moving stories from the families he’s served, explains the history and meaning of Taps, and offers clear, practical guidance on how anyone planning a funeral or celebration of life can arrange a volunteer bugler through Bugles Across America [https://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/].
Key Moments
Growing Up in the Shadow of Addiction & War
[0:00:40–0:03:26]Gary reflects on a difficult childhood in Sioux Falls with an alcoholic father who lost everything, marrying his high school sweetheart the day he graduated from college, and carrying the grief of friends lost in Vietnam. The conversation sets the emotional foundation for a life defined by resilience, loyalty, and purpose.
The $1,000 Gamble That Built a National Company
[0:03:26–0:12:34]After walking away from an unethical boss, Gary and his partner risk everything to start their own reprographics business with just $1,000 and relentless determination. He shares how listening to customers—not fear, pressure, or ego—helped grow the company into a national leader.
Reinventing Retirement Through Art, Cooking & Curiosity
[0:12:34–0:18:10]
Retirement becomes a second beginning. Gary teaches himself watercolor painting, starts mentoring other artists, and unexpectedly becomes the family cook—transforming ordinary routines into joyful rituals with his wife of nearly 57 years.
The Funeral That Changed Everything
[0:19:02–0:23:32]
At a WWII veteran’s funeral, Gary hears a recording of Taps instead of a live bugler—and cannot believe it. That moment leads him to Bugles Across America, an $88 bugle, and a calling that would eventually place him beside grieving families across Minnesota.
Why One Note Can Break Your Heart
[0:27:59–0:31:18]Gary explains why Taps is more than music—it is ritual, honor, and farewell. Through unforgettable funeral stories, including legendary paratrooper Speed Holman, he describes how the final lingering note can feel like releasing a soul into peace.
The Most Important Funeral Request Families Don’t Know to Make
[0:40:42–0:52:45]
As Minnesota State Director for Bugles Across America, Gary reveals how any family in America can request a live bugler—free of charge. He explains why families should specifically ask for a live performance instead of a recording, and how volunteers travel anywhere: cemeteries, churches, homes, lakesides, and backyards.
Rain, Snow, Wind—and Duty
[0:52:45–0:55:06]
Buglers show up no matter the weather. Gary walks through military funeral traditions, flag-folding etiquette, and the emotional weight of presenting a flag while speaking the words:
“On behalf of the United States…, the President…, and a grateful nation…”
The Farewell Gary Wants for Himself
[0:57:17–1:01:23]Despite dedicating years to honoring veterans with Taps, Gary says he does not want it played at his own funeral because he did not serve in the military. Instead, he shares the music and poetry he hopes will remain behind—a final reflection on humility, gratitude, and honoring others before yourself.
If you are pre‑planning or currently planning a funeral or celebration of life and would like a live bugler to play Taps:
* Ask your funeral director:
* Or contact Bugles Across America [https://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/]directly:
* There is no fee. These are volunteers offering their time and talent to honor your loved one.
Gary Marquardt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-marquardt-99a97313/]is:
* A former entrepreneur who built and led a national reprographics business.
* A self‑taught painter and watercolor instructor who believes everyone can make art. Check out www.MarquardtGalleries.com [http://marquardtgallery.com/]
* A volunteer bugler and Minnesota State Director for Bugles Across America [https://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/].
* A devoted husband of nearly six decades who has reinvented retirement around service, creativity, and shared daily joy.
