Garry Owen was reportedly Custer's favourite, and he took his brass band nearly everywhere (except the Little Bighorn) for them to play it as his cavalry went into battle. Therein lies a beef that many might have with the tune. It was played during the massacre at the Washita on November 27, 1868 when Custer's cavalry slaughtered the men, women and children (mostly women and children) of Black Kettle's band of Southern Cheyenne and Arapahoes as they attempted to surrender. Great tune, that I continue to play, but always with a twinge of guilt. Not trying to rain on any parades, but to some, it's a song with baggage.