In the U.S. Marine Corps, traditions are defined as a long-standing custom, or practice that is passed down throughout the generations. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Duncan Lovegrove, a native of Vermont, continues these traditions through his music.
“Tradition is important, it reminds us of who we are, what we stand for. Our role is to be the image, show our traditions,” explained Lovegrove. Lovegrove currently serves as a trumpet player with the 1st Marine Division Band. While Lovegrove deals with long hours, endless training, ceremonies and parades, his most vital duty comes down to a 24-note song.
Taps is a 24-note song that serves as the National Song of Remembrance for all service members who have passed. The weight of responsibility that comes with this song is heavy; the Marine performing must remain composed.
Lovegrove has always found memorial services the toughest. For Lovegrove, there was one memorial service that stood out more than the others. This memorial service was hosted for those who served during the Global War on Terror, the veterans stepped up one by one as they shared their stories and hardships. Lovegrove listened for nearly an hour to grueling and horrific stories about those they had lost. He realized in that moment that this is more than just a song, it is a sign of respect; it’s a final salute.
Lovegrove explains that the biggest part is stepping out in front of the crowd and gathering all of your bearing. Taps relies on more than just mastery, it relies in the control the performer holds. There is a quiet intensity required from a trumpet player
“It's really hard to do, to stand in front of the family and friends. To do that final send off, so you know you, stand up there terrified because it’s the most important thing we do” said Lovegrove.
| Date Taken: |
08.26.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
09.01.2026 12:05 |
| Story ID: |
573628 |
| Location: |
CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: |
16 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, How Cpl. Duncan Lovegrove upholds traditions, by Cpl Stella Tedesco, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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