Taps, 24 musical notes associated with military funerals and ceremonies. Sunday it was played over 60 times in Elkhart's Annual Echo Taps. All the notes were played to honor veterans. 91 year old Veteran Emmett W. Manley was the last to perform taps in the echo. He was happy to be able to perform. "I like to show that the veterans are still contributing quite a bit to what goes on in the community."
But even where the notes couldn't be heard the community was showing veterans respect. All Michiana Drive and Shines gave free car washes to those who have and are serving our country.
And Papa Vino's served free entrees to Vets. Manager Tom Cone said, "we just want to show our appreciation for the service they've done for the community."
Cone is a veteran himself so he understands how much being thanked for his service means. And he enjoys saying thank you to others. Others like Veteran George Edgell who enjoyed a free meal at the Italian restaurant. "I was thanked three times when I walked in the door," said Edgell.
And back at Echo taps, a reminder that it doesn't have to be veterans day to say thank you. "Standing up to say thank you today is as important a standing up to say thank you to them any other day they need us," said Gordon Sherven with the DAV.
There were also several other events and freebies going on Sunday to say "thank you" to veterans.
