MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) – A longtime Memorial Day tradition continued Monday as 91-year-old John Wayne Hatchett performed Taps for residents at The Villages of Murfreesboro.

Hatchet has played the solemn military bugle call every Memorial Day since he was six years old, marking 85 consecutive years of personal tribute to fallen service members. This year, he honored that tradition once again, performing for his fellow residents at the senior living community.

Residents gathered to watch and listen as Hatchet played the familiar, haunting notes—an emotional moment of remembrance and reflection.

Staff at The Villages say his performance is a powerful reminder of the meaning behind Memorial Day.