Staff writer
After playing a solemn version of ‘Taps’ and observing a moment of silence, Larry Cushenbery spoke to a small group of patrons and emergency professionals about the importance of remembrance in front of the Marion County Jail on Sept. 11.
“Earlier today some people told me they had forgotten it was 9/11 until they heard the music,” Cushebery said. “That’s why we do this; so people don’t forget.”
He said some of the elementary age kids he played for earlier in the morning had not been born when the Twin Towers were struck.
After his speech, people thanked him and some inquired about his antique bugle.
Cushenbery seemed to take great pride in his instrument. It was a polished — free of fingerprints or other blemishes — one could see their reflection in.
He can play an assortment of different horns, but he chose his antique bugle because of its somber and sincere sound.
He said it sound similar to the trombone he played last year only different.
When he bought in on eBay, it was in bad shape. It was missing parts and had several dents so he took it to Senseney Music in Wichita for repairs.
When dropped it off he found out several of the employees were also part of the Bugles Across America organization that he is also a part of.
He said they were happy to work on it so he left it with them. They completely restored it to the pristine condition it was in for the 9/11 remembrance ceremony.