SELMA, Ala. – Every year for over a half-century, Jesse Sanchez has come to Memorial Stadium in Selma to play “Taps” on Memorial Day to honor those who laid down their lives in the service of our country. He’s played the song so many times since his first performance in 1962 that he’s lost count, but the song hasn’t lost its meaning.
At 84 years old, he can’t quite reach all the high notes as well as he would like, but he still gives it his all every time. But this year will be the last time he performs in Memorial Stadium, and one of the last times he’ll play “Taps” at all. He’s saving his swan song for a unique occasion – his own funeral.
“I thought I’d tape myself playing ‘Taps,’” he told freelance writer Alvin Benn. “I can’t think of a better way to have it done one last time.”
Sanchez enlisted in the Army in 1949 when he was just 17 years old and spent 36 years in the Army, Army Reserves and the Alabama National Guard, reaching the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Even though he has long been retired, playing “Taps” has allowed him to continue his lifelong commitment to service.
Sanchez grew up in Texas with parents who could not speak English, so he set out to learn 60 new English words each day in an effort to communicate with his friends and school teachers. Going to church also played a major role in his early life.
“I was born a Baptist, raised a Catholic and married a Methodist,” he laughs.
Sanchez married his wife Betty 65 years ago, and his family continues to grow, with two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Having lived such a full life, most men Sanchez’s age would have taken a step back from their responsibilities a long time ago, but Jesse still has plenty of energy to keep going. Playing “Taps” has been an important way for him to stay connected to his military past and to honor others who served and died for their country. He’ll proudly tell you that he once performed “Taps” at four different military programs in a single day.
Sanchez has been a constant for hundreds of other veterans over the years, and his performances continue to bring them pride and joy.
“I have listened to him play ‘Taps’ for years and it always gives me chill bumps and makes me feel patriotic,” said Charles Pollack, who commanded a tank in the Korean War and heard Sanchez perform this week in Selma.
Vietnam veteran Rayburn Hill, who leads the local American Legion chapter that sponsors the annual Memorial Day program in Selma, recognizes how lucky he has been to hear Sanchez play “Taps” so many times.
“He’s done a wonderful job for us through the years and we’re really going to miss him,” he said. “Jesse and his trumpet have helped bring back the purpose of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.”
(h/t Montgomery Advertiser)
