exvigilare

As mentioned last week, I played Taps at the State Capital yesterday. Senate Joint Resolution 32, by Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and Rep. Garza Hicks, names the 48 Colorado soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The resolution also honors the military personnel from Colorado who are currently serving in the two countries.

Military personnel from Buckley AFB and Fort Carson Army base were both present to give their support to the resolution, as were surviving family members. There were wives who will never see their husbands, babies who will never be held by their fathers, and both houses added their full role call as co-sponsors of the bill - all of whom rose to honor the families that were there. A very moving moment, and very sad.as one

That’s what makes these 24 notes so difficult. It’s not high, there’s no fingers. Not much to it, really. But know that the family members are next to you, or behind you, or right in front of you. And they’re listening to your 24 notes and thinking of their lost loved ones. The word “pressure” doesn’t come close. You’ve probably heard a bugler or a trumpeter crack a note in there somewhere - it’s not because they can’t do it, it’s because of all of the other outside influences. There have been many times when I’ve played Taps with tears streaming down my cheeks.

9News has the story and video here. Coincidentally, I’m on the video. I know - you didn’t see that coming, did you? After a dozen years as a “side man” I’m not about to pass up the opportunity to “blow my own horn.” Ack. Sorry.

I also managed to drop in on my Congresswoman Suzanne Williams for a word about her role on the Education Committee and my Representative Debbie Stafford. Both ladies were very pleasant, although Ms Williams looked somewhat less than thrilled when I mentioned that I’m a conservative blogger focusing on state issues. Oops. Did mean to scare her, and I hope it wasn’t intimidating - I really didn’t mean it to be. I just forgot where I was for a minute. But I wanted her to see the face of a constituent (especially after having just heard me) and know that I’m a proud homeschool dad, and don’t want that to change.