Taps will be performed at dusk Sunday, May 28, around lakes in Syracuse and North Webster. Photo by Larry Baumgardt. 

News Release

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Two taps programs are planned for Sunday, May 28. “Taps Across the Water at Dusk” will be presented in two communities.

Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse American Legion Post 223 are collaborating on a Memorial Day tribute to honor veterans and those who have died in the performance of their duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

On Sunday, May 28, taps will be played at 9:09 p.m. simultaneously by buglers strategically placed on Wawasee, Syracuse and Papakeechie lakes. Taps will be audible on all three lakes.

One minute of silence will start at 9:08 p.m. prior to the performances.

Chautauqua’s President Mark Knecht commented, “What we learned from last year is that the wind can really affect how sound travels. Also, waterfront restaurants have been notified so their guests can pause conversations and listen respectfully.”

Participating musicians include members of the community and surrounding areas, including veterans, community bands, high school students, music directors and professional musicians.

The musical director is Dr. Matt Murdock, an educator. He has been the primary recruiter of musicians.

A map showing the locations of buglers is available at chqw.org.

People may hear from their piers, pontoons, on shore at public areas, Lakeside Park or Oakwood.

Syracuse Lake locations are piers No. 44, 56, 442, 380, and Syracuse’s public pier. The Lake Papakeechie location is the water-spill outlet.

Lake Wawasee

Lake Wawasee locations are: piers No. 7, 35, 95, 123, 142, 143, 153, 198, 260, 304, 341, 345 (a boat launch), 396, 435, 478, 484, 505, 559, 640, 665, 677, 684 (Oakwood Resort), 731, 754, and 791.

Buglers will meet at Oakwood’s gazebo for a trumpet ensemble, pictures and a warm-up at 8 p.m. The trumpet ensemble performs at 8:15 p.m. One minute of reverent silence will be observed at 9:08 p.m.

Taps will be performed around Syracuse, Wawasee and Papakeechie lakes at 9:09 p.m.

The public can also listen at The Channel Marker, The Frog, Oakwood Pier and Back Porch, and the main channel bridge by The Channel Marker, Syracuse.

For more information, visit chautauquawawasee.org or its Facebook page or call (574) 377-7543.

North Webster

Taps across Webster Lake will begin at 6:15 p.m. Sunday, May 28. People may observe buglers on shore at North Webster Town Park, 401 S. Dixie Drive, or by boat.

Over 30 to 35 buglers participated last year.

A 21-gun salute will signal the buglers to play taps. A free community picnic and live patriotic music will follow at North Webster Town Park.

Many buglers will be performing at both events. Each participant will receive commemorative patches. Reserve a spot for one event or both. Send name, email and phone number to [email protected].