Taps is played for soldiers, sailors, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, and I believe Cabinet and Supreme Court officials. I always felt it should be played only for soldiers and sailors myself. Kind of takes away from it when played for dignitaries and people like Kennedy (a drunk and a woman killer).

Surprisingly, Ted Kennedy was a veteran. He was a PFC in the Army.

I don't like Kennedy. I will admit that he deserves taps at his funeral, he was in the Army.

Thank you all very much. I don't know why I was so surprised when you told me he was a vet. Guess I'll have to do some research.

I unfortunately have seen the song used for non-veterans too many times and honestly, it hurts my heart.

I am with you on this one RoxysMom...... The thought of someone who does not deserve it is having it played for them is a slap in the face to all who have served and died for their country.

I asked the question this morning "Why was he being buried at Arlington? I thought that was only for veterans."

I didn't know he was in the Army. JFK & Bobby are there too. I knew JFK was NAVY, but didn't think Bobby was a vet either. Guess I'd better do some research too. Thanks.

Robert Francis Kennedy, the son of Joseph Patrick Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1925. His great grandfather, Patrick Kennedy, had emigrated from Ireland in 1849 and his grandfathers, Patrick Joseph Kennedy and John Francis Fitzgerald, were important political figures in Boston. Kennedy's father was a highly successful businessman who later served as ambassador to Great Britain (1937-40).

Kennedy went to Harvard University but his studies were interrupted by the Second World War. In November 1944 he joined the United States Navy but the war finished before he was called into action. He returned to Harvard and graduated in 1948. This was followed by a law degree from the University of Virginia.

So he was a veteran who saw no action but did enlist.