INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) – Most Memorial Day services across the country were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Ray Sweeney still wanted to remember his fallen comrades.
Sweeney served in the U.S. Army for 39 years. He chose his church, Hunter Road Bible Church, as the location to play Taps without an audience, at least not one you could see.
"In honor of the fallen that have fought and died for us, what we all have here,” said Sweeney, 70, dressed in full uniform. “Take a look around. We might not have had this had there not been someone willing to step up."
Sweeney joined a nationwide effort called "Taps Across America."
At 3:00 p.m. Monday, buglers saluted those who gave their lives for freedom by playing Taps on front porches, cemeteries, public memorials and various other locations.
"It's for those who maybe not ever got this recognition, and for those who have gotten this recognition,” said Sweeney. “It's for all those who have fallen."
The organization also sounded the song to remember those who died of the novel coronavirus.
In planning the event, the Taps Across America urged participants, "We would advise against asking folks to gather in any type of group. Maybe you can tell your neighbors to open their windows."
Videos of people joining in to sound the call are posted on the organization's YouTube channel.
The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying time off of work for the national holiday, the organization explains on its website.
"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."