Technical Sgt. Frank Witehey was the first bugler to play "Taps" at the Unknown Soldier Memorial upon the initial burial in 1921 and did so for many years after the Memorial was completed. He also played at the funerals for President Woodrow Wilson and several top Army men. I noticed when I picked this frame up that the photo was in fact individually signed with a dedication, not a signature printed on with the photo itself (the "photo" signed here is a lithographic print but it is very good quality.) The item itself is unusual being a custom adaptation made presumably by the recipient of the photo. There is glass on both sides so you can see the photo and then pick it up and read about it on the reverse. To save you the squinting, the photo was made at midnight showing Witehey's shadow on the marble Memorial.

Other than wiping the glass clean I have not tampered with this, it is coming to you as I received it. Plainly it should have a new custom framing so that both the photo and text page can be seen side by side. This would not be costly and surely would be worth doing. The back glass is taped on and as such a bit messy. The images seen here were made on a scanner and the entire frame itself is just a bit large to fit entirely on. The size of the photo in the frame i.e. the large dark rectangle is about 8" x 11". The outside dimensions of the frame are about 10 3/16" x 13 1/8".

Signed "To G. B. Davis" and I searched briefly but didn't find anybody famous of that name. Sgt. Witehey became well known for his performances and dedication and I expect he did give out other such signed souvenirs to visiting Generals, friends or whomever. But there cannot have been but so many and there cannot be but so many remaining and I have never seen one before.

Moving and significant reminder of America's military. I do not know if future generations will share our fascination with collecting weapons and trophies, but I cannot imagine that people should ever not appreciate sacrifice.