For "Thayeritage" at the 2000 West Point Reunion, Curt, above left, had on display an old hammer dulcimer that his grandfather made. My father, "Dick" above right, having never seen one before, picked up the two “hammers” used to tap the strings and experimented a few minutes, trying to figure out the arrangement of strings in order to play something melodically. A little later at the noon luncheon, Curt, who was always clowning around, went to the podium and announced over the PA system “Dick Thayer said he wants to play something on the dulcimer for our entertainment”. Dad shouted back “I MOST CERTAINLY DID NOT!” but after a bit of cajoling from a few TFA-ers, he relented, went forward and played a little ditty for about a minute. A few weeks later, my siblings and I presented him with a new dulcimer for his birthday. After several lessons and more practice, he became a rather competent player of the instrument. I miss you, Dad. You were the best! ~JLT

Life Lessons of Richard James Thayer
26 August 1914 - 22 March 2009

BE HAPPY

ALWAYS BE HONEST

WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK

FIND JOY IN HELPING OTHERS

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THINGS YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER

DO NOTHING THAT WOULD DISGRACE YOUR PARENTS OR FAMILY