Jari Villanueva is not the only Catonsville resident whose musical talent has played an important role in services for those who have died while serving their country.
Chief Musician Gunnar Bruning has been a trumpet instrumentalist in the U.S. Navy Band for 14 years.
"One of the most important parts of our mission in the Navy Band is to honor fallen shipmates during funeral services," Bruning said in an email.
Not only has be performed "Taps" at more than 900 military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, but he also performed the iconic bugle call at the funeral of former president Gerald Ford in 2007, the burial at sea for Navy veteran and legendary astronaut Neil Armstrong in 2012 and services for those who died in the space shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003 and the 2013 Navy Yard shooting in Washington, D.C.
"The playing of 'Taps' creates a meaningful moment for everyone who has lost a loved one who has served in the military," Bruning said."People connect to the melody.Musically speaking, I think it is the simplicity of the melody with its open intervals that makes it unique."
Despite an 18 percent reduction in Navy musicians last year, including the elimination of two bands, Bruning said the musicians are as committed as ever to ensuring veterans whose families want live "Taps" played at their loved one's funeral are accommodated.
Currently, he said, the Navy band plays more than 800 Arlington Cemetery funerals each year.
" 'Taps' is one of the most widely recognized melodies," he said. "The playing of 'Taps' creates a meaningful moment for everyone who has lost a loved one who has served in the military."