2025 Taps Across the Water – A Moving Memorial Day Tribute

Sunday, May 25, 2025, marks the 5th annual Taps Across the Water tribute across Lake Webster, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse Lake, and Lake Papakeechie.

This moving event honors U.S. military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Trumpeters and buglers stationed around the lakes perform a stunning Echo Cascading Rendition of Taps—a four-minute, multi-directional experience that resonates powerfully across the water. Taps Across the Water creates a reverent, deeply memorable moment for attendees and participants alike.

About Taps Across the Water

Led by Dr. Matt Murdock, an educator with ties to Indianapolis and North Webster, Taps Across the Water brings together nearly 40 musicians, including:

• Local veterans
• Community band members
• High school students and music directors
• Professional trumpet players

Inspired by Jari Villanueva’s Taps Across America, Taps Across the Water also raises awareness about the shortage of live trumpet players at military funerals.

“This gives students a meaningful way to connect with their community—both now and beyond graduation.”
– Dr. Matt Murdock

North Webster Lake Schedule

6:15 PM – Military Service at the Town Park
A brief service with live trumpet music and remarks, followed by a ceremonial salute from the North Webster American Legion Post 253 Honor Guard.

6:30 PM – Listen for Taps Across the Water
Hear the Echoing Taps from the Town Park, your pier, boat, or aboard the Dixie Sternwheeler as it launches in sync with the tribute.

7:05 PM – Trumpet Concert
Enjoy a 20-minute trumpet performance at the Town Park following Taps Across the Water.

Wawasee, Syracuse, & Papakeechie Schedule

8:10 PM – Trumpet Ensemble Concert at Oakwood Gazebo
A patriotic concert sets the tone for the evening before musicians head to their designated pier locations around the lakes.
Presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee & American Legion Post #223.

9:00 PM – Moment of Silence
Mark Knecht, Chautauqua-Wawasee Board President, says, “In addition to notifying the community, we alert the lakefront restaurants about the timing of the event and propose that guests observe one minute of silence before the starting of the Taps.”

9:09 PM – Listen for Taps Across the Water
Taps will echo across all three lakes.

“Every year people plan for this moment. Wind can affect the sound, but the impact is always powerful.”
– Karen Kroemer, Event Organizer

Tips for Attending Taps Across the Water in Syracuse, Indiana

• Listen from your pier, boat, or designated public viewing locations:
  • The bridge by the Channel Marker
  • The Public Boat Launch
  • Oakwood Resort

For updates, please follow Chautauqua-Wawasee on Facebook

Join us in honoring the fallen with reverence, gratitude, and the sound of Taps.