Lay Honored for Helping Preserve Military Funeral Tradition

By Echo Menges

LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — As communities across northeast Missouri prepare to celebrate Independence Day and honor the nation’s veterans, a Lewis County student is being featured for helping ensure local service members receive one of the military’s most meaningful final tributes.

On the final day of the school year, representatives of Canton American Legion Post 170 and Lewistown American Legion Post 578 honored Walter Lay with a Certificate of Appreciation and a $100 Murphy’s Filling Station gas card in recognition of his volunteer service performing military funeral honors throughout Lewis County.

The recognition was presented by Lewis County Associate Circuit Judge Corey Moon, who also serves as a member of Canton American Legion Post 170.

Moon told students and faculty that one of his first responsibilities after joining the American Legion was participating in military funeral honors, which include a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” for deceased veterans and their families.

“When I first got involved in the program, we had a rented bugle with an audio player insert that would play taps when you push a button,” Moon said. “I know I didn’t feel that this was right, but it was the next best thing to having an actual human play taps.”

Looking for someone who could perform the bugle call live, Moon said the Legion turned to music instructor Mr. Sparks, who recommended Lay.

“We invited him back funeral after funeral and he kept showing up,” Moon said. “Eventually, he was asked to not only play taps, but was asked to fill in as a rifleman for the 21-gun salute when we were short members.”

Moon said Lay has volunteered at funeral services in Canton, Monticello, LaBelle, La Grange, Williamstown and cemeteries throughout Lewis County, honoring veterans and comforting their families.

“It is unbelievably difficult to get anyone to volunteer to do anything in this day and age, let alone get someone to volunteer at funerals,” Moon said. “However, Walter has answered the call each time and he has never disappointed. He has shown up time after time, he’s played taps with honor, and he has made us all proud.”

Moon said the two American Legion posts wanted to recognize Lay not only for his musical talent, but for his willingness to serve those who served the country.

The presentation concluded with a standing round of applause as students, staff and veterans thanked Lay for preserving one of the military’s most solemn traditions.