Playing taps

Twelve days after the Missouri National Guard announced it would no longer pay for buglers to play taps at military funerals, Gov. Matt Blunt stepped in and directed the Guard to use buglers when available.

Taps is a tradition that is difficult to quantify with a price. Guard representatives said recent funding cuts forced the restriction on live buglers in favor of a ceremonial bugle outfitted with an electronic device that plays taps.

That's better than nothing, but taps played live is a more personal salute to the veteran who died.

Musicians have been paid $25 to $50 per funeral to play taps. The governor is right. The cost of playing taps isn't breaking the bank.