Photo by Darian Hays
Lovington American Legion Commander George Clark (right) honors Aaron Fleming for his years of playing Taps for military rites, while Tom Brown Honor Guard coordinator looks on.

•July 13, 2016•

Aaron Fleming has played Taps during military rites since high school, but his graduation from Millikin and entering SIU’s school of medicine in Carbondale will end on a high note.

The Lovington American Legion presented Fleming an Appreciation Award for his service July 9.

“I’ve known him since he was a boy,” Lovington Honor Guard Director Tom Brown said of Fleming, who has played Taps on his trumpet during honor guard military rites since high school.

“He and his dad are Sons of American Legion members, and Steve has helped for 40 years,” Brown said, noting both are EMTs with the Lovington Ambulance Service.

Handling around 50 military rites so far this year, the Lovington post honor guard assists the Bethany and Arthur posts in assembling up to 15 people needed to properly perform the ceremony.

One constant has always been Aaron Fleming, the solitary trumpeter playing Taps.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.