At my brother's memorial, I sang Land o the Leal and Taps ( though the Air Force funeral team had a bugle with built in recording ) and it was a struggle to get through it - I had made a CD of the songs as a backup, that I was able to not need.

Just the other week, I participated at a American Legion benefit jamboree when we learned that a long time member had just died the day before, so I volunteered to sing Taps during the small tribute they had for him. Two nights later I got a phone call requesting me to sing Taps again at the request of the widow - but could not be there in person, so I made a CD that I gave the Legion to use if they wanted - which they did.

Funerals, wakes & memorials are for the living... it's the way people deal with death and mortality, shaped by their culture. There is no right or wrong - only what is acceptable.

I never met the deceased Legion member.... but I grew up in a family that all belonged to our local Legion Hall and the deceased was the same age as my dad & fought in the same war. I was paying my respect to an American veteran who had well earned it. As were his fellow members who thought the world of him and truely mourned his passing.