A Final Call of Honor: Spokane Bugler Plays Taps for the Last Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua5u5S9kvoU

For 25 years, one man stood quietly at gravesides across Spokane, honoring fallen service members with one of the most sacred traditions in military history.

This March, that chapter came to a close.

At 88 years old, retired Army Reserve Lt. Col. Phil Kowzan played Taps for the final time at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, marking his 3,335th performance of the 24-note tribute.

For a quarter century, Kowzan ensured that no veteran’s farewell was accompanied by a recording. Instead, families heard the real thing, live, personal, and deeply human. His commitment began in 2001 at the funeral of a friend, when he refused to let a tape recorder stand in for the honor deserved.

“It wasn’t meant to be played on a recording… I want them to get the real thing, the live Taps.”

Through heat, cold, wind, and grief, Kowzan showed up. He stood apart from the crowd, as tradition dictates, and delivered each note with precision and respect. His mission was simple: get it right, every time.

His service reminds us that military honors are not just ceremonial, they are deeply personal. The sound of Taps is often the final farewell, a moment that lingers with families long after the service ends.

Kowzan’s retirement leaves behind not just a legacy of service, but also a challenge to the next generation. As he steps away, the need for live buglers remains. His hope is that others will step forward to carry on this meaningful tradition.

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A Legacy Worth Carrying Forward

Phil Kowzan’s service is a powerful reminder that honoring our nation’s veterans does not end with their passing. It continues in the traditions we uphold, the respect we show, and the people willing to step forward.