Taps played for Rudy Havrilla
On Nov. 18 the veterans’ community lost one of their greatest veterans. Rudy Havrilla passed away that day after a short illness. Rudy, also known as Snoops, had been playing Taps at military funerals regularly since 1970. He played with the Amvets Honor Guard since 1981. Rudy never said no to a veteran’s family who wanted Taps played at their loved ones funeral. Rudy would tell the fellows in the honor guard, ‘we go anywhere at anytime for any veteran.’
He never asked for any kind of remuneration for his services. He was very unselfish and very caring. Today’s society needs a few million people like Rudy Havrilla. We would have a much better world.
Veterans and the families o f veterans were blessed to have Rudy as a friend for so many years. I hope in the future that more Rudy Havrillas come forward and carry on his legacy. He left big shoes to be filled.
On May 27, 2001 the Herald-Standard did an article on Rudy and told of him playing Taps 2,500 times for military funerals; well add another 100 he did for Amvet funerals since that article. In fact, Rudy last played with the Amvets honor Guard on Nov. 8, 2002 at a Farmington cemetery.
The Amvets performed military honors for Rudy at his funeral in Cussart, W.Va. On Thursday, Nov. 21, Kenny Ridell and Bob Hanyo played Taps for Rudy, and his grandson Joel Adams played the bagpipes. It was an impressive farewell tribute to the man who did it so beautifully for many of his fallen comrades who passed away.
He deserved nothing less. Whenever you hear Taps in the future, think of Rudy Havrilla and his horn. God bless you Rudy.
Pat Britt and the Amvets Post 103,
officers, members and honor guard
Ban no-names from Web opinion?
You have a regular visitor to your Web site who seems to have all the answers. Unfortunately, he likes to sign on in a cowardly way with the fictitious name of “Chase Justice” and without properly identifying himself.
Since people who write Letters to the Editor have to identify themselves before you will print their letter, I think it is only right that “Chase Justice” be required to let us know who he is rather than using a phony code name.
Besides, this person has so many opinions that I think we should be allowed to know who he is.
If he refuses to identify himself I would hope you would choose not to publish his comments.
Rep. Larry Roberts
Uniontown