Keith Clark (bugler)

Keith Collar Clark (November 21, 1927 – January 11, 2002)[2] was a bugler in the United States Army who played the call "Taps" at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. He misplayed the sixth note, and to many this mistake was a poignant symbol of the American nation in mourning.[3] The bugle that Clark used is on display at the welcome center of Arlington National Cemetery.

Keith Collar Clark
BornNovember 21, 1927
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
DiedJanuary 11, 2002(2002-01-11) (aged 74)[1]
Fort Pierce, Florida, US
Resting placeArlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia, US
38°52′17.6″N 77°04′11.8″W
Spouse(s)Marjorie (née Park), wife
Children
  • Beth Barnard
  • Sandra Masse
  • Nancy McColley
  • Karen Moore
Military career
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1945–1966
RankSpecialist 7 (U.S. Army)
Battles/wars
Occupation(s)Musician, United States Army Band
Instrument(s)Bugle

Career

As lead bugler of the United States Army Band when Kennedy was assassinated, Clark was assigned the task of playing Taps at the president's funeral.[4] On the day of the funeral, Clark stood in the rain for three hours before it was time for him to play.[1] At 3:08 pm, after the 21-gun salute, Clark started to play "Taps", and on the sixth note, briefly sounded the harmonic one higher than intended, "cracking" the note.[3][4][5]

After the funeral, many assumed the mistake was intentional.[1][4]

References
  1. Goldstein, Richard (January 17, 2002). "Keith Clark, Bugler for Kennedy, Dies at 74". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  2. "Keith Clark, Bugler at JFK's Funeral". Taps Bugler. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  3. "A Bugle Call Remembered – Taps at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy". Taps Bugler. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  4. "Bugler Recalls Missing Note While Playing Taps at Kennedy Funeral". Associated Press News. November 14, 1998. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  5. Lowens, Irving (December 1, 1963). "Accurate Listing of Funeral Music". Washington Star. Retrieved July 14, 2017.


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