KILLEEN, TX — Jennifer Fitzgerald loves using her gift of music to help the community. She'll even use it for free.
Fitzgerald plays the trumpet and cornet, and will play "Taps" for any veteran. All the veteran or the veteran's family has to do is ask.
"I do it for free. All people need to do is to contact me," Fitzgerald said. "I played in in the community in different ceremonies such as Memorial Day, and I saw that it was a good way to give back to the community and also to honor people who have served their country.”
Fitzgerald says she started playing "Taps" in fifth grade, and continued playing it during her over eight years in the Army band. She says she doesn't recall how many times she's honored a "Taps" request, but stresses when she does play it her eyes are closed and is fully aware of the impact.
"To me, 'Taps' usually brings tears among people. When I first started playing it, it affected me in a way of 'oh my goodness, I’m making people cry,' but you have to get in the mindset of it’s the last respect payed to someone, so it’s a good thing," Fitzgerald said. "As we’re standing here there’s some people here in the cemetery placing the flags and honoring their loved ones, so I hope it brings some comfort to them, and I hope they take something away from them today, and maybe feel special because they were here at this time when it was played."
She stressed it's not only an honor to "Taps" for any veteran who asks but a privilege as well. Fitzgerald says she'll continue to do so as long as she's able to use her gift of music.
Fitzgerald says you can contact her at 254-291-5510 by either a call or text.
