Jerry Primmer honors veterans by playing taps at their funerals as part of burial detail

Jeff Barron, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
·2 min read

SUGAR GROVE — The playing of taps is one of the more solemn moments in a military burial ceremony.

Jerry Primmer knows how solemn the moment is as he plays the piece for the Lancaster Burial Detail on his trumpet during funerals for veterans.

Jerry Primmer, of Sugar Grove, is the trumpet player for the Lancaster Veteran Burial Detail stands in the cemetery with his trumpet at Trinity Lutheran Church (Sponagle) in Sugar Grove, Ohio on May 20, 2022. Primmer was a firefighter for the Lancaster Fire Department for 33 years. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972.
Jerry Primmer, of Sugar Grove, is the trumpet player for the Lancaster Veteran Burial Detail stands in the cemetery with his trumpet at Trinity Lutheran Church (Sponagle) in Sugar Grove, Ohio on May 20, 2022. Primmer was a firefighter for the Lancaster Fire Department for 33 years. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972.

"It's an honor," he said. "I joined the burial detail in 2016, so this is my seventh year."

Primmer is an oddity of sorts when it comes to veteran burials.

"Hardly any burial detail has a live trumpet," he said. "They use what they call a recording trumpet that has a microphone on the end of it specially made for details because they can't find trumpet players. They just push a button and hold it in position."

Primmer said the local burial detail gets a lot of requests for a live trumpet player instead of the automated trumpet.

"Being retired I thought it was my duty to jump in there and help out," he said.

MORE: Amanda-Clearcreek High School graduate honored for selflessness during Vietnam war

Primmer also plays the trumpet for The Nostalgics, a local swing and big band. He has been with the band for more than 30 years. Additionally, Primmer is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972.

Jerry Primmer, of Sugar Grove, is the trumpet player for the Lancaster Veteran Burial Detail stands in the cemetery with his trumpet at Trinity Lutheran Church (Sponagle) in Sugar Grove, Ohio on May 20, 2022. Primmer was a firefighter for the Lancaster Fire Department for 33 years. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972.
Jerry Primmer, of Sugar Grove, is the trumpet player for the Lancaster Veteran Burial Detail stands in the cemetery with his trumpet at Trinity Lutheran Church (Sponagle) in Sugar Grove, Ohio on May 20, 2022. Primmer was a firefighter for the Lancaster Fire Department for 33 years. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972.

The burial detail serves at about 90 veterans' funerals each year on average and Primmer said it's almost like a full-time job.

"It's a military operation," Primmer said. "We do a 21-gun salute, play taps and fold the flag and present the flag in honor of the United States for veterans who have passed away. After the firing squad fires, I immediately play taps.

He said about 90% of veterans do get the military honor. It's up to a veteran's family to make the request. Primmer said a veteran's family members often get emotional during the service.

"They tear up a lot," he said.

Your support helps keep the lights on at the Eagle Gazette. Stay connected with our daily stories, in-depth reporting and more by

clicking Subscribe

Subscribe

Primmer started playing the trumpet in the fifth grade. He was influenced by some older students at school who played the instrument. Primmer does not play any other instruments.

"I'm still trying to learn the trumpet," Primmer said with a laugh.

The detail has about 40 members but always needs more, Primmer said. Members must be veterans.

"The door is always open to new volunteers," Primmer said.

Those wanting to join the burial detail can contact AMVETS Post 1985 at 700 S. Maple St. The telephone number is 740-653-5478.

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Jerry Primmer honors veterans by playing taps at their funerals