The Reagan Trumpeter

From the Free Lance-Star:

ARTHUR LEON WHITE played "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" on his trumpet and watched as a flag-draped coffin was carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

The Stafford resident, a member of the Army's Herald Trumpets, was part of the slow, dignified march that had started at the Ellipse some 40 minutes earlier. He wore his dress blues, and was feeling the heat of the day.

But White didn't think about that. He thought about the man in the coffin.

Over 25 years, he's played for countless presidents and prime ministers at White House parties and on special occasions. But Ronald Reagan stands out in his mind. The 40th president was the only one who treated White and his fellow band members "like family."

Thank you for your service, Mr. White. President Reagan appreciated your skills, as did the nation, that day.