With hands over hearts, members of the public gathered on the Glen Road Silver Bridge on May 31 and listened as 94-year-old WWII Navy veteran Charles Fadus played “Taps” on a trombone, accompanied by his son, Paul Fadus, on a trumpet.

American Legion Post 202 hosted the special “Taps Along The Housatonic” Memorial Day event. Musicians and post members assembled at eight different locations along the Housatonic River in Sandy Hook, playing “Taps” one minute after the other. Past district commander Mike Kellett initiated the event in 2020, since traditional celebrations were not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to the American Legion Post 202.

Charles Fadus was surrounded by other local veterans while he played. And just after he finished playing the clear notes of “Taps,” the echoes of another musician playing just down the river could be heard.

“Taps,” a 24-note tune, is a distinctive melody traditionally played at US military funerals and memorials and as a lights-out signal to soldiers at night that dates from the American Civil War, according to the announcement from the American Legion Post 202. William Cafarelli is working to make a video including still photos and video footage from the day and of veterans who have passed on.

Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.