November 16, 2005- A junior high student plays taps, the traditional military funeral call, at ceremonies for veterans. The first time he played taps, Trever Grant was so nervous he was shaking.

It was May 1, and the 14-year-old Cougar Mountain Junior High School student was performing at a Loyalty Day ceremony in Tacoma. It was his first public solo appearance as a trumpeter.

Since then, Trever has played several other events, including a Veterans Day service at Tacoma's McKinley Elementary School last week. Each time, he said, it gets easier.

"Playing the song, half the task is you've got to get up there to do it," Trever said of his newfound duty.

Trever has been put to work by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 969, where his grandparents, Gary and Barbara Grant, are active. Gary Grant, who spent 28 years in the Air Force, recently bought his grandson and $1,800 trumpet after he showed promise in his school band.

Since May, Trever- who lives in Graham with his mom Joy Ahlquist- has played two VFW funerals, a Veterans Day ceremony at American Lake veterans hospital and other events. At McKinley, he played for some 350 students, parents, Fort Lewis soldiers and others.

Taps is the mournful military melody played a funerals and other somber occasions. With wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it's taken on a special poignancy.

"It's for everybody that doesn't make it back, for everybody who fought for freedom," Trever said.

Last week, Gary Grant explained the significance of taps at McKinley before his grandson played.

"It's a tear-jerker," Gary said. "I get teary-eyed every time he plays the thing."

This article was written by David Wickert and published in the November 16, 2005 edition of The News Tribune.

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