We are very sad to report that one of our NJ buglers, Charles "Chuck" Murray passed away on February 6th, 2013

We wanted to share with you notes that he had in his BAA profile.

“I am 65 years old, married with two daughters and three granddaughters.  I played a bugle for a drum and bugle corps from 1959 until 1971.  My father was a WWII vet and fought in North Africa, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and across Germany.   When he passed away, my old Drum and Bugle Corps played echo TAPS.  My father-in-law was a fighter pilot from WWII until 1983.  When he passed away he was a retired Brigadier General in the Air Force and a retired Major General from the NY Air Guard.  At his funeral there was no bugler available and a tape recording was used.  At the time I felt sad for my wife, my mother-in-law and his family.  Although my brother served in the Navy during the 1970's, I did not serve, but felt I owed my family and country.  When I heard about Bugles Across America, I felt that this was my opportunity...

Thought we'd share something that came in:

"On behalf of Vaughan Paralyzed Veterans of America. I would like to thank BAA member Mr. Richard Wacker and Troop 50 from Park Ridge.

They attended our Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner to Present Colors and they were just amazing. Our crowd were very pleased to see all these young men so professional and dedicated to their flag.

THANK YOU for your service and time to our disabled Veterans.

Submitted By: Maria H."

I'm glad you could help! Thank you Nancy for all you do! ***** "I was surprised to see a request for Jefferson Barracks since they have always used there own "paid" buglers. I took the mission yesterday and found out that the funding had been cut. One of the members of the Marine Honor Guard e-mailed his sergeant about Bugles Across America. By the time I got into work after the funeral, there were two requests! The gentleman at Jefferson Barracks wanted my information. I also told him about the BAA website. He will be meeting with local funeral directors this week and will pass that info along to them. I sure hope we have enough volunteers to step up! I am able to volunteer once in a while during the week, but I think if this became a weekly event my bosses would be upset. This really caught me by surprise! I will say that given the number of funerals at Jefferson Barracks, the ceremony is much shorter than what I have experienced in other "public" cemeteries. Thanks for all YOU do, Tom!! Nancy L Bender BAA...

A wonderful message was sent to Washington BAA Bugler, John Gonzales.

"I wanted to say thanks again from our family for playing Taps at our dad's burial last week. Too bad that it wasn’t as sunny as the previous day and not the best conditions for playing, but we appreciate your fine musicianship under not-so-perfect conditions. It was very touching to have a real rendition of Taps, and I can just hear my dad saying, “That’s neat, Tiger.”
Also thanks to Bugles Across America, what a great organization!
Warmest regards,
Deb O and the H family"

Here's a wonderful "Thank you" that came in to us this week.  Great work Vince!

"BAA and Vince DeVincenzio Were WONDERFUL! Thank you so very much for the outstanding work you do! We were honored to have Vince DeVincenzio play Taps at our WWII veteran father Don Chapin's memorial service yesterday. Vince was professional, on time and accommodating and played wonderfully well. He saved the day for the military honors, as the honor guard arranged for by the cremation society funeral director NEVER showed up to the service. Vince gave our hero Dad a fitting and proper tribute. I have made a donation online and will urge family and friends to do the same. Sincerely, Karen C"

Thanks to BAA's Chaplain, Ron Glazer, here's the story of the Four Chaplains and the guidelines for Four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Services in PFD form.
The Four Chaplains Story.pdf
ServiceGuideFourChaplains.pdf

"Tom
Just a note to say that I very much enjoyed the time to talk with you, and to enjoy your daughter's company.  She is a gem, and you are as well for all the time you contribute to the Bugle's program.

Our country is so much better for people like you - !

Many thanks for all you do - I, and so many others, will long remember the class act that you are and what you bring to the front.

R/
CDR Paul Alberts"

"My father, Henry S Brower, an Iwo Jima survivor died recently.  He had wanted a live bugler at his funeral, which was today, January 21, 2013.

Richard Wardlow answered my request to your organization for bugler.  He playing was wonderful.  My father would have been very proud.

Thank you so much for founding your organization and helping with this.  I have given your web address to the funeral director in case other families would also like a bugler.

Thank you very much,
Marge S."

On Jan. 11, 2013, we laid to rest my Father, interned in the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery.  We had the honor of having Larry Crossman play Taps for my father.  I just want to say thank you for honoring my father with such a beautiful rendition of Taps.  I will never forget it.  Thank you again
Kathy K.

Here's a great story that came into us from a BAA member: "Today, I played TAPS at a grave side service for a Air Force Colonel and a Coast Guard Seaman. His wife died some years ago and now that the husband had passed the family decided to have full Military Honors for both.  Honor teams from both services were present. I was there to play taps in Bugles Across America uniform. Afterwards, I had decided to go to the Milwaukee VA Medical Center for my volunteer duties in Palliative Care, remaining in my BAA uniform. To lazy to go home and change or pack a change of clothing… My past visits at the VAMC had been somewhat unproductive for a lack of a better way to say it. I was not able to connect for some reason. Today was much different as I was in uniform with my service ribbons. The connection was almost immediate. Must have talked with 5-6 people! Residents and staff. I talked about BAA briefly and then visited with the residents. So that is the story of my adventures of today. Mark L Dallner Milwaukee,...

Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Buglers.

Today, the first 2 children of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy will be laid to rest.

This country needs our healing.  Please join me in going out to your yard at sundown and sounding Last Call.  I will be playing each night until all the victims are laid to rest.  Will you join me?

Thomas J. Day  
Founder  

Just thought we'd let you in on this event.  It's sponsored in part by BAA.  
Reading of the Fallen Ceremony
Dec 14th, 2012 at 9:11am
Thompson Center's Outdoor Plaza
100 W. Randolph St., Chicago (Corner of Randolph & Clark)
For more information, email reading@chicagowelcomeshometheheros.org

BAA Bugler, Rich Yndestad, gets a wonderful "thank you" letter.
****
Hi Rich,
Thank you very much for being such an important part of our Veterans Day program at Westbridge.  Your bugle playing made the program extra-special for our residents and the information about the history of “Taps” was very interesting.  We really appreciate the time and effort that you made to be here with us to honor our veterans.
J.E.

We here in Rhode Island are very proud of Patrick on his performance and his unending support to assure every eligible veteran here in Rhode Island receive “live taps” at their final farewell!
Patrick gave a wonderful speech all about the purpose and the history of BAA.........
 
Thank you, Mike Jackson
 
http://americanlegionpost18ri.homestead.com/

Bugles Across America sends it's prayers out to all those in the path of Sandy and will donate $1,000.00 to help with recovery.  Mark Paradis, New Jersey State Director, will advise us on a viable Red Cross fund.  
God Bless all on the East Coast.
Thomas J. Day
Founder and Marine Bugler

"I am so happy to fall on your site.  When my dad died I asked if the military would do anything for a WWII vet and they only sent one young military man. So I had a choice... either play Harry James Cirbirbin or Taps.  I chose Taps and I felt so proud.  My dad loved his country and talked about the war all the time. He missed his Army buddies so much that I'd like to think that he is with his Timberwolves again in France. Thank you for what you do. I am so proud to be a son of an American hero.  "
Submitted By: Arthur Y.

The following are events that founder Tom Day will be at for Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday 2012

• Nov. 4th - Lutheran Church  Berwyn, IL, 10 am. (10th year)
• Nov 8th - Union ridge school, Harwood Heights, IL, 8:15 am.
• Nov 9th - Pershing School, Berwyn, IL, 8:30 am.
• Nov 9th - Divine Infant Church, Westchester, Illinois, 1:45pm
• Nov  9th - Marine Corps League, Marine Birthday Ball, Batavia, IL, 7 pm.
• Nov 10th - Vietnam Memorial, State St. and Wacker , Chicago, IL, 9:30 am.
• Nov 11th - Echo Taps 4th Year in Elkhart, IN, 9 am.
• Nov. 16th - Indian Trail School, Plainfield, IL, 8:30 am.

Tom will be speaking and playing Taps at all events.

Although medal displaying was encouraged in Great Britain and other allied countries after WWII, the U.S. did not develop the tradition early on. As medals have become more available and the services have improved on issuing and presenting them, Americans are starting up their own tradition of displaying their awards after service. The Armed Forces are now one of the most respected and admired institutions in the U.S. Since World War II over 28 million Americans have served their country in the Armed Forces and their pride and their families pride of their service is reflected in the enormous respect of their fellow countrymen. Beginning with Veterans Day 2006, the Secretary of Veteran Affairs urged Veterans to show their pride of service by wearing their medals on Veterans Day. He expressed the hope this display of military decorations, which he called the “Veterans Pride Initiative,” would become a traditional part of Veterans Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and other patriotic observances....

Just wanted to let the organization know of the wonderful job TSgt Raymond Keel performed at my fathers memorial service.  He was "perfect and it was a wonderful way to honor our father

Thank you so very much for your organization and service to all veterans and their families.
Submitted By: Laura L.

Just wanted to let you know how it went today for the funeral in Timonium at 12:30.  I contacted the MD NG guys in advance to let them know I was coming, and they said they planned to arrive by 11:30.  Therefore, I got there at 11:30 also.  I introduced myself and had a chance to get to know the two NG guys - they were both pretty senior, one a Sergeant First Class and the other a Sergeant.  Anyway, the funeral party was delayed a bit, so it was 1:00 PM before they arrived.  Everything went well, I believe.  I didn't make any mistakes playing Taps, so that was good.  Both of the NG guys thanked me after it was over and said they were glad not to have to use the digital bugle.  Hopefully, my performance adds to the confidence the MD NG has that BAA can do the job in a professional and dignified way.  On top of all that, it was a beautiful day and wasn't even unpleasant standing in the sun.     Again, I want to thank you for including the Virginia buglers on these Maryland requests.  Since I live in Northern Virginia,...

Dear Tom, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to you for bringing the flags for the Premiere and for your beautiful trumpet playing "Taps" at the end of the movie.  It was such a great way to end such a moving film on bringing our service-members home. We will bring the film to the Pritzker Military Library for a smaller event in the near future and hope you will once again join us.  In the meantime, please accept our heartfelt THANK YOU. Warmest regards. Sincerely, Linda De Bella The De Bella Agency (To view Video, click on Read More below)

...

Topinka salutes Berwyn Military Funeral Honors Group Comptroller celebrates commitment to veterans SPRINGFIELD – Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka this week saluted the dedication and commitment of Bugles Across America in Berwyn, which dedicates its time to perform Military Funeral Honors for veterans and fallen soldiers. As part of the Illinois Office of the Comptroller’s “Veteran’s Day” at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Topinka presented groups and individuals from throughout the state with proclamations celebrating their achievements and dedication. Topinka specifically congratulated Bugles Across America Founder Tom Day. A west suburban Marine, Day launched Bugles in November, 2000, to ensure that live buglers are available for military funerals. The organization has recruited 250 Illinois volunteers, and 8,000 nationwide, to perform at approximately 3,000 military funerals annually. “Tom has selflessly worked for more than a decade to ensure that his fellow veterans have an appropriate burial,”...

Dear Buglers Across America, On Wednesday afternoon my father-in-law, George B. Gardner was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California. He lost his 5 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 94 years of age and a World War II veteran. He is also a Silver Star recipient. Thanks to Bugles Across America, I was able to fulfill George's greatest dream of having "Taps" played at his funeral. On this Thursday morning after George's funeral, I'm compelled to write this letter of appreciation on behalf of my entire family. The service you provided was above and beyond anything I could have expected! Within an hour of sending the initial letter of inquiry I was contacted by a bugler who confirmed he would play "Taps" at George's service!   On behalf of my entire family I want to THANK Bugles Across America for making a "Warriors" dream come true! We were so honored to see Sheldon Gordon standing at attention in full uniform at the curb as we pulled up to the grave site. Sheldon's appearance...

Here is a short conversation of how an event is born. People get involved and an event develops.  We will see how it turns out. God Bless America, Tom Day, Founder *** Question: "I live in Wichita, Kansas and currently not involved in any special event for 9/11, but think it would be great to participate in one, possibly even organize one. Can you give me tips on what my next steps should be?  Here in Wichita, many things are centered around the Arkansas River that runs right thru downtown and has many memorials to fallen soldiers in one specific area of the river walk. Wouldn’t it be great on 9/11 to line the walk way by the military memorials with as many buglers as possible that morning at  the time of the first tower being hit to play taps?  That would send a message to our town that 9/11 has not been forgotten.  Any next steps you could suggest would be appreciated." Answer: "Pick a spot in town, Tell the press and gather friends and play Taps 4 times in each direction.  Tom Day" Reply: "I have...

Mason Miller Muster chairperson at Texas' A & M university said BAA supplied the music and Taps for the 2012 Muster In Waco, Texas.  They loved BAA.

Barry L. Probst of the reunion of the U.S.S. Boston shipmates sent a letter stating that buglers David Breth and William Miles did a great job sounding Taps at their 2012 reunion in Buffalo NY on 7-14-2012.

Just some of the good work BAA does around the country, and it looks like 9-11 will be a real event nationwide.

Tom Day, Founder

 

 

 

Funeral of an Old Soldier, by Steven Grzesik (AKA Ranger Steve)



Bushnell National Cemetery lies tucked away behind a forest preserve, off a country road in a very beautiful, rural area of Florida.  It is dotted with giant oak trees and carefully placed blooming plants. During the day, hoove marks from deer eating acorns at night are visible everywhere. All in all, it is one of the prettiest cemeteries I have ever seen. It is here that I went through ‘basic bugle training’ with the Florida National Guard. Tom Day had sent me my first bugle and I played Taps those first months under the supervision of Sgt. Jones, a fair man, but a perfectionist as far as his funeral details went.

The day was perfect. Sgt. Jones’ soldiers’ uniforms and attitude were perfect. When the call, “Mission”, was given, everyone was in their proper place...

Thank from the bottom of my heart for providing a bugler to play Taps during the Honors ceremony at my husband's services. My husband was Arvy A. Geurin, Navy veteran of WWII, Iwo Jima Survivor who went ashore with the Marines. He deserved an Honors Ceremony with a live bugler, and that's exactly what there was, thanks to Bugles Across America. I cannot express how much it meant to hear the bugler and know that my husband was being honored. It was both sad and beautiful. I don't know the name of the bugler; I was in no shape to greet him after the services, but he played beautifully and from the heart. It was at the Santa Cruz Memorial Park, Crystal Chapel, on August 3, 2012. Please thank him on my behalf and the behalf of my family.
Gale G.

On July 14th the USS Little Rock Association, as a part of its 21st annual Reunion in Wilmington. NC, held a Memorial Service for our deceased shipmates. As a part of this service we sought out, through your organization, Bugler Lance Smith.

Mr. Smith was excellent and he was a significant addition to the proceedings. We were moved by his rendition of Taps.

We are indebted to Lance Smith, and to Bugles Across America, for helping to make our Memorial Service meaningful, military and memorable.

As a token of our appreciation we are pleased to enclose our check for an honorarium.

With thanks and best wishes,
Frank E. Berglas
Secretary/ Treasurer
USS Little Rock Association.
********
Thanks Lance for your great service.
Tom Day
Founder

During the first part of July I was at the Elks National Convention in Austin, Texas.  Mr. Dave Boostrom  came over on two mornings and we did a joint playing of "To The Colors" to open the days events.  Dave is a great player and has a collection of trumpets. Dave taught me a few things about playing and we had a great time. I have in the past had several foundations that were yearly contributors to BAA. This year only a couple of them were able to help. Fortunately I had saved a good amount we collected last year. This has enabled BAA to do much of what many took advantage of during the 150th Anniversary of Taps.  I have one more outing that will take place in Chicago on Sept. 29th and 30th. The first player of Taps O.W. Norton passed away about this time in 1920. We will present a wreath at the Cemetery and sound Taps which I don't think he ever got. I think its only right that the first player should have something special. Jari has already agreed to come as well. Speaking of funds and the constant need...

Just wanted to share BAA's Richard Yndestad's interview with local TV station NTV17 for the 150th Anniversary of Taps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwkrH-F1nF8&feature=youtu.be

There is a new book on bookstore shelves titled Losing Marmee, written by M. Elizabeth Sweeney.  It's about a mother, a daughter, and six years of assisted living.   Bugles Across America is shown on page 286.

Actually BAA is very close to this part in life as we are called very often to help so many families when the end is near.  It's good to be considered by a writer when putting a book together.   God bless the players of BAA.

Tom Day

You are invited to join us for a great music and history program with ICE CREAM. Our program is called "Requiem for an Era" in honor of Col. Truman Crawford U.S.M.C. Drum and Bugle Corps 8th and I Streets, Washington, D.C. and the 150th Anniversary of the hardest 24 notes called Taps. The Taps 150 Ice Cream Social will be September 29, 2012 at Helping Hand Center, 9649 W. 55th Street, Countryside, IL from 1:00-4:00 P.M. The program starts with a prayer by Civil War Rev. Jerry Kowalski. It will be followed by a 45 minute program of Patriotic Civil war songs by the famous Divine Infant Choir from Divine Infant Jesus Church in Westchester, IL. This will be followed by a short presentation by the Chimes Ensemble, also from Divine Infant Jesus Church. Then there will be about two hours of spirited music by the Marci Nigh Brigade Band from Island Lake, songs like Battle Hymn, Dixie, Johnny Comes Marching Home, Battle Cry of Freedom, and others from the Civil War Era. At the close of the show will...

A note to BAA: "I found your site from a CNN thing on YouTube.  I had just minutes earlier written the following note to NBC news when i saw what looked to be a dubbed bugler, and they tried to put it across as real. Here is what i wrote: I think photo shopping a news photo is just as offensive as it would be to convey to the public that a person is playing the bugle LIVE when it was not being played. The report where it  alludes that a certain gentleman is playing the bugle, i don't see any keys on the bugle being pressed that coincide with the sound heard.  So how does this happen? Is the man miming?  If so don't try to give the public who could not be there the FALSE impression that he is. I find it horribly offensive for people to lip synch or play a cassette tape instead of doing what they should be able to do live. Make believe is for kindergarteners.  I don't care if they want to play a recording of taps at a ceremony.....but i do care.... I do care very much when a reporter collaborates...

The past few months our VFW Post Honor Guard here in Center, Texas has had the services of two of your buglers.  Dr. Kirby Hill from Carthage is one and the other is David Treadaway from Broaddus, Texas.  When one is not available the other has always filled in.  We all admire the devotion and time they both spend.  A live bugler certainly adds to our Military Honors Funerals and they both have done an outstanding job.  Just wanted you to know of their professionalism and how thankful we are.
Thank you,
Larry H.

Hello Buglers,
I just wanted to put out this reminder... If you use an email program that has a Spam block tool which only allows incoming messages from senders you've approved beforehand... please make sure that BAA is in that "approved" category. Most of the emails that would be coming to you would be from info@buglesacrossamerica.org.  This is how you receive any emails and requests from BAA. It is not our obligation to submit to be approved from every single email we get returned to us wanting approval. Earthlink users... We get them mostly from you. You can keep your Spam filter.. but please update your settings to accept us. Thank you.

This is what the BAA float will look like in the Chicago Memorial Day Parade on May 26.   Those who volunteered to ride and march need to be at Daley Center by 10 am!
Thanks,
Tom Day

This is Saturday, May 19th at 10 am at the Old Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery.

Hello Buglers,
I am looking for as many buglers as possible to play Echo Taps at the Veterans Echo Taps & Flag Decoration in Grand Rapids, MI.

This annual event will be on May 23rd, 2012 and located at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans at 3000 Monroe Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505.   The event starts at 5, if anyone wants food (hot dogs etc. are free).  Otherwise Buglers should arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. and we will be meeting in the cemetery at the top of the hill near the statue.

I am hoping to have as many buglers as possible at this event. Please contact me directly to register 616-915-3658 / jd@dexters.org

Thank you,
Jim Dexter

Hello Buglers!
I'm just re-posting this event as a reminder since this is coming up!  It sounds like a very cool evening!
***********
Just letting you know about a concert Saturday May 19th in Schenectady, NY, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the composition of Taps by General Daniel Butterfield, Union College Class of 1849. 15-piece brass band led by military historian, ceremonial brass player and conductor Jari Villanueva.

It will be held at Union College Memorial Chapel at 9pm. Fireworks on the lawn at 10:00 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/events/292035500876749/

Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL, will host an 150^th Anniversary Celebration on July 7th, 2012 from 9 am - 5 pm and it is open to the public.

There will be a parade, entertainment, historical tours, circus performances, a retreat ceremony, games, car show, food vendors and a Chicago Blackhawks hockey team shoot off.

** No animals allowed at this event except service animals.**

General event questions for this event:  Penny Kroul, (309) 782-0212. 

Hello Buglers,
Just letting you know about a concert Saturday May 19th in Schenectady, NY, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the composition of Taps by General Daniel Butterfield, Union College Class of 1849. 15-piece brass band led by military historian, ceremonial brass player and conductor Jari Villanueva http://www.tapsbugler.com/.

It will be held at Union College Memorial Chapel at 9pm. Fireworks on the lawn at 10:00 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/events/292035500876749/

Raffle to benefit TAPS 150
 
1st Prize Hand-made wooden bugle (mouthpiece not included)
2nd Prize Aman plastic bugle
 
Prize to be drawn on:
Sunday August 5, 2012 at 7 PM at the Lurman Theater, Catonsville, Maryland
 
WINNERS DO NOT NEED TO BE PRESENT.
 
Cost per ticket Tickets are $5.00 each.  
 
Buy Four tickets and receive one free!!

Purchase your ticket here:

http://taps150.org/wp/store#ecwid:category=2476407&mode=product&product=11013637

I am writing to thank Tech Sgt. Sclager for the most honorable service for our late father.  We so appreciate your music talent with the trumpet for coming early and practicing with our organist at McManen Church and for the most beautiful music we could have imagined.  Your respect and true compassion for our family and friends will be never forgotten.  The folding of the flag and presentation was also so well performed.  Thank you so much again for such a lovely and memorable service and please forgive my tardiness in sending this Thank You as we were healing from our loss. 
Thank you again and we hope we see you again.
             
Sincerely,
Scarlett and Kieth T.

Fantastic news!  We have just received more FREE seating for the USMC Evening Parade at 8th and I SE on May 18th.

These new seats will be behind the Cannons but they have a great view.

You do not need tickets but Tom Day and I must escort everyone in as a group.

There is parking available at Maritime Plaza, 1201 M Street, S.E. Washington DC 20003. Shuttles will start taking people over at 7:00pm. If you do this option, please try to be on the first shuttle.  Remember to plan for rush hour traffic.

Alternatively, riding the Metro is an option. The closest station to the parade is the Eastern Market Metro Station (Both Orange and Blue lines). It is 3 long city blocks away from the Barracks but a walk-able distance.

The parade location is at: USMC Marine Barracks, 8th Street and I Street, SE, Washington, DC 20390

You must be at our meeting point at 7:00 pm so we can get organized. This is at Main Gate 4 South.

After 7:45 pm any seats left are no longer reserved for...

We are grateful to the bugler that drove from Lufkin, Texas, to play for Allwyn Wilmoth's burial service, which took place at the beautiful national cemetery in Dallas, among bluebonnets and tornado sirens. We were impressed and comforted by the bugler's talent, compassion, and professionalism. Thank you for this fine organization. 
Karen W.

Saturday night April 7th,  BAA member Arturo Sandoval picked up his trumpet and joined the Chicago Jazz Orchestra at Northwestern University's Pick-Singer Hall in Evanston, Illinois. The Chicago Tribune called Arturo's performance great. Well the paper said, " Whether firing volleys into the stratosphere or unspooling long, luscious lines, trumpeter Sandoval tends to dominate any room he's in.

I can just imagine how he would be at a funeral....

About three years ago we had a Michigan request just north of South Bend and the mission was taken by Patrick Hession who played on his Monette trumpet. Another place where you would want to hear Taps done.

Well just some brass observations.

Anyhow BAA will be back at Northwestern U. on the 21st of April to present Medals to Cadets with the Navy ROTC.

Tom Day
Founder

Greeting all. I know it's a lot to ask, but if you could help spread the word about support the two Taps 150 events, we'd appreciate it.  These two events (especially the Berkeley commemoration) costs money and we need your help and support!
http://taps150.org/wp/donate

Thanks,
Jari Villanueva

I am looking for as many of our horn players in the Chicago area to march in the front of the Chicago Memorial Day Parade on State Street, which is 9 blocks, carry horns and sound Taps a couple of times in the parade. Also The Chicago Loop Alliance has offered us a free float. So I will need Horn players to ride on the float with horns and friends to hold 3 flags so TV and people can see them. The BAA flag, the Taps 150 flag, and the BAA designed "Gold Star Mothers" flag.  This done on both sides of the float.  Parade covered by ABC  TV and others on the route for Nightly news.
The parade is May 26th at noon but we will meet earlier at 10am for staging.  To volunteer, please call Tom Day at 708-484-9029 or email him at tomjday@sbcglobal.net
Thanks
Tom

Greetings all BAA Members The TAPS 150 Store is open at http://taps150.org/wp/store This is the place to purchase TAPS items: -TAPS 150 Medals -TAPS 150 Pins -TAPS 150 Coins -TAPS 150 Patches -TAPS 150 T-Shirts -TAPS 150 Coffee Mugs -“Day is Done”-The TAPS 150 CD -“24 Notes That Tap Deep Emotions” The Taps book by Jari Villanueva All proceeds benefit the TAPS 150 projects this year. These include the Commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery, the 150th Anniversary “Birth of an American Tradition” at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia, and a commemoration at the grave of Major General Daniel Butterfield at West Point in October. Please support TAPS150 and BAA in these worthy projects! Make a purchase today. For more information on the events this year, please visit http://taps150.org And visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/150th-Anniversary-of-Taps-at-Arlington-National-Cemetery-May-19-2012/193701390721534...

BAA has become a topic on the Trumpet Master forum. I registered yesterday. I am an Honorably Discharged Veteran from the Air Force (1976-80). Served as a Bugler on many Honor Guards.
I started playing again after a 20+ year lay off in Feb 2011.
My "chops" are back sufficiently to be a member of an honor guard.
Sincerely,
Dave

Thank you for your interest in attending the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, an evening tradition for over 60 years at the Oldest Post of the Corps.  Your reservation for 40 to attend the Evening Parade on the night of Friday, 18 May 2012 through Main Gate, is confirmed and this e-ticket should be printed and brought with you.  Letters and printed tickets are no longer being sent to guests via the mail system in an effort to increase reliability and efficiency.    Your party should arrive together and use the above information in order to be seated.  Parking is available at Maritime Plaza, 1201 M Street, S.E., Washington, DC 20003.  Gates at Marine Barracks will open at 7:00 p.m.  To honor your reservation, you must arrive at your assigned gate no later than 7:45 p.m.  At 8:00 p.m. the general admission gate opens and all unclaimed seats will be filled.  Please be advised that as a security measure all guests will be required to walk through metal detectors and all purses, backpacks, and packages...

Tom,
Thanks for having the bugle repaired.  It has been donated back to the school for our taps program.  Attached is a picture of one of our high school buglers at work last Memorial Day.

"I went to the cemetery today for my late husbands birthday, took flowers, flag and balloon...my husband was a Sgt. in the Marines. There was a very nice man there that played the taps for me. It was beautiful !!!!!! I can only pray that all Veterans can be honored in the way I felt that my husband was today. Thank you !!!!! His birthday was complete". - Judy

Greetings, Mr. Day. Thank you, again, for your personal support and Bugles of America's corporate support in providing an award medal for our Awards Night on March 8, 2012.   On behalf of BAA, I presented the blue medal to Cadet Corporal Tyra Greenwood.  This is Cadet Greenwood's first semester of JROTC, but her enthusiasm and commitment to the program will propel her into a leadership position next year.  Besides receiving the BAA medal, she also received a scholastic excellence medal from Military Officers Benevolent Corporation. I have two pictures attached.  The first shows me presenting the BAA award medal and the second shows the Cadets along with the Presenters from other Veterans, Military, and Patriotic organizations that also sponsored their medals for us. On behalf on LTC Gordon Wesley, Senior Army Instructor of Abe's Battalion at Lincoln High School, you and the BAA have our sincerest appreciation and gratitude.   Yours in Patriotism, Brendan White, Booster ...

Ray,
I cannot thank you enough for your volunteer support to play Taps at my Dad's funeral. I am very sorry that the emotion of the moment and time available did not allow me to greet you and thank you personally. I certainly intended to do so. I have made a donation to Bugles Across America acknowledging your volunteerism and professionalism.

The presence of a live Bugler added the touch of class and dignity that the Honors and tradition deserved. I would not have had it any other way. Again, I sincerely thank you and on the behalf of my family. My Dad would have been humbled.

Thank you,
Bob Wiseman
CAPT, USN/Retired
Austin, TX

On March 19 2012 I, as a Past VFW post commander, was flag folder at a funeral where I met your Bugler Kirby Hill, from Carthage Texas.  I must say He did an outstanding job, It was an honor to have him play.  Looked sharp in his uniform and was perfect.  I tried to catch up with him before he left the area but got involved before I could catch him.  Great Great Great.
Veterans, Keep em on your mind.

John Piersol

Our 3rd edition of Buglers Post!  Enjoy!
BuglersPost_Issue3.pdf

Or try this if you have difficulties!  Copy and paste into your browser.
http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/Portals/0/Buglers%20Post%20Issues/BuglersPost_Issue3.pdf

March 5, 2012   Mr. John Worley c/o Bugles Across America   Dear Mr. Worley,   On Saturday, March 3, 2012, the Bridgewater Congregational Church, Bridgewater, Connecticut, had a memorial service for one of our veterans of WWII, LTC Franklin H. McColgin (Ret). COL McColgin served in the United States Army Air Corps in WWII and was a combat veteran having served in the European Theatre. He received 4 Air Medals for his efforts along with several other military awards and citations.   This service included a military honor guard, a military salute and the playing of Taps. You and your organization were instrumental in honoring COL McColgin by providing the bugler, Mr. Dillon Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez’s performance was inspirational and added the most time-honored culmination to the military funeral setting both the appropriate tone and atmosphere for this celebrated occasion.   The McColgin family and I very much appreciated your organization’s selfless service and the volunteerism of this wonderful young...

I wanted to share a photo from the Daytona paper.  For 10 years the Deltona High School team of buglers has supported Bugles Across America and have done a couple of thousand collectively services for us.  Now the students from University High School Orange City are also helping since Deltona High and University split. They never forgot the services they did and carry the tradition on from there also.  I send certificates and medals to the schools for helping from Tom Day and BAA.  I thought all of you should know this.
John Murphy
Bugles Across America Florida

This video reveals where our military headstones originate.  Very enlightening, interesting, and somber.
Military Headstones

Dear Mr. Day, My father recently died at the age of 86, and being a Navy vet, we asked for an Honor Guard ceremony at Ft. Rosecans (San Diego).  As you are well aware, we are losing so many WW II vets, we were not guaranteed a live bugler.  Luckily, the woman who handled my father's cremation gave me your website.  Within hours of requesting a bugler, I received a phone call and an email from one of your volunteers.  Unfortunately, he had a family emergency and had to cancel a few weeks later.  Within minutes of my request being posted again, I received a phone call from Capt. Marv Steinman.  (I'm already getting choked up just typing his name.)  Not only was he professional, and discreet, but his rendition of TAPS was incredibly powerful.  Afterwards, I introduced myself and he gave me the most sincere hug I think I've ever had from a complete stranger.  He explained he volunteers to honor his father who happened to be a Navy vet too. I can't thank your organization enough for sending my family Capt....

Three cheers for Marine Bugler Ed Crobie.

Ed joined BAA 10 years ago today. I remember when Ed called me and said, " Hi Tom, I just saw you on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and I want to be a member and sound Taps at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery down here where I live. How can I do that"?

I remember my response. I said, Ed take your horn over there and show them you can sound Taps correctly and that you are willing to Volunteer to play LIVE instead of using the taped version.

Well, Bugler Crobie did just that. And ten years later we have more that nine regular players at the cemetery, doing twenty funerals a day.

Bugler Crobie has done more than 5,000 burials.

God Bless Ed and all the Volunteers at the Cemetery who are on the team.
Tom Day, Founder.

I've been working for several months with Alderman Balcer 11th ward and the Special Events unit for the city and on February 9th, we had our first meeting for the big parade on the eight floor of the city county building. For some time I have prepared information for the Alderman and the Special events staff has known me for over fifteen years. So this year I got a well prepared history of Taps and  of Oliver Wilcox Norton from Jari Villanueva who is the true authority on the history.  I had packets for twenty people all ready to go with CD's and coins even very nice books by CW4 Josef A. Orosz Jr. U.S. Army Band Ret.. John Trick comm. spokesman said whats all that info? I said, "I was going to try and sell my theme for the Parade". John said, "We already have one". then showed me the agenda for the meeting.   At the top was the theme printed. Taps the 150th Anniversary.   Then twenty members showed up and I passed out my envelopes for them and they all agreed. The Parade will be May 26th. down State...

Dear Mr. Tom Day

I had the pleasure of meeting one of you buglers, Hartmut Hausser when I volunteered as a vascular surgeon in support of the wounded American troops evacuated from Afghanistan to Landstuhl, Germany.  Hartmut is a wonderful man and I was very pleased to have met him.  We played a little harmonica together and became friends.  He is also held in high regard by one of my vascular surgical partners who has been to Landstuhl as well.  Bugles Across America is fortunate to have Hartmut as one of them.

Sincerely,
Steven S Gale, MD. FACS

Sir,
       I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for sending me the BAA accessories requested.  I will wear them with great pride in all events, and ceremonies in which I take an active part as a bugler. Once again, thank you for your consideration, Mr. Day.
 
Respectfully,
Walter Salvari, Scoutmaster
 BSA Troop 58

Our very own Larry DuPree was interviewed regarding Taps 150 and about Taps itself on The Connie Pillich Show in Ohio.  The show is available on their website at
The Connie Pillich Show

If you have any troubles viewing the streaming video, make sure your software is up to date and that you have QuickTime installed on your computer, and keep in mind that some virus software or firewalls may prevent you from viewing streaming material online. If you need to download QuickTime, it's free and
available here:
Quicktime

The show began airing yesterday and will continue through the month of February.

Obviously you can't click the photo but here is the link if you want to order tickets.
Click here to order tickets

This was the first month of Taps 150 and it was a busy month. the sad part is that there is only 11 more months to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Taps. We are getting new members from all over America and that's great. I ask that all Directors stay alert and call the new players to see and hear them and get them active as soon as possible. I only did two missions in January both on the same day. This is great news as the rest were filled by a number of Illinois players jumping on all new requests. In the Chicago area BAA is the first to be called by the Navy out of Great Lakes and the area Coast Guard. Georgia, The entire East Coast, California, and even Arizona have really gotten busy. I see that Jari says we have over 100 players signed up for May 19th at Arlington. Early in the month I got several requests for patches, and pins and they went out.  Today 1-30-12, I will drop off another seven envelopes with gear. there is NO charge and it's first come first served. Let us know if you are planing anything in your area for Taps 150....

This Friday is the 69th anniversary of the loss of four military men of faith and 672 other service members.  On February 3, 1943, the U.S.A.T. DORCHESTER was tragically sunk.  Of the 902 young men on board, only 230 survived.  Many of those survivors  owe their lives to the  courage and leadership exhibited by the heroic Four Chaplains, who, in  sacrificing their lives, created a unique legacy of brotherhood. Learn about this event at http://www.fourchaplains.org/ and click on the link under the American flag http://fourchaplains.org/ServiceGuide.pdf for the guide to help you or your community, VFW, American Legion, etc. host a service in memory of the Four Chaplains who gave their lives for the men they served with.   Please send any photos and written experiences from your event to Jennifer Day at baa.jday@gmail.com after your event so that we can include them in our Newsletter.  Thank you! Promote...

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Don Ware as the new State Director in Georgia. Mr. Ray Tanner will remain on as Assistant Director, and BAA is very indebted to Ray for his leadership for the last two years. For the last two years, Don Ware has been Asst. Director, assigned to the Quick Response Team of buglers at the Georgia National Cemetery. This team of buglers has been working closely with the National Guard, perfoming approximately 3,000 services in the last two years. Don is a former police officer of 8 years, the father of 7 children, ranging in ages from 5 to 23. His son is currently serving in the US Marine Corps, and his oldest daughter is at the University of Mississippi. Don and his wife Kim reside in North Georgia, and they both work for Moneris Solutions, a credit card management company. Don says"Most of all, I believe in Jesus Christ...

Dear Tom,
I received your package with the patches and pins enclosed......they are beautiful.  I will wear the BAA uniform with much pride the next time I play taps. 
Thank you for all you do for BAA! 
Carla B.

Sir: I am so proud to hear of your organization - Proud? Yes, because I was Honored to be a buglar with 2nd Army Drum & Bugle Corp in 1954-55 stationed at Ft. Meade, MD. Honored to have played at Arlington Nat'l Cemetary many times! Honored as a grandfather who has a grandson member of your organization whom just this day I learned will be attending your May 2012 Mass Bugling conference in Virginia. I wish I could attend, but health will not allow. So, may wife and I will send the best substitute, our grandson, Eriq Thompson, of Albany, OR.
Best Wishes and many thank yous for what you have accomplished for our Veterans!
God Bless You!
Dean W

Sirs, as always I appreciate the support provided by the Bugles Across America.  This past weekend (7-8 January 2012) your team was invaluable ISO over 18 Veterans successfully being honored.  I personally witnessed the support from Pat Gallagher and Don Ware, they got the rare opportunity to conduct ECHO TAPS and it was spot on, a great job. Their support of Congressman Jenkins service was nothing less than commendable.

Enough cannot be said about the professionalism, discipline, and performance of your personnel.  Your entire team are Great Patriots and Americans.

Thanks again, we appreciate the invaluable support.

SGM Bryan Hise
Military Honors
GA Army National Guard

On this date, Jan11th, 1988, Col. Greg "Pappy" Boyington passed away in California, Fresno Vets Hosp.. Pappy was a good friend for about five years prior to this as we meet at several Air shows because of my connection with Civil Air Patrol and the Second Marine Air Wing at Glenview Naval Air Station. Pappy called me a couple of weeks prior to passing and said he was running out of Runway and wanted me to sound Taps out in Calif. I told him I would be honored. In my mind I know when the time would come he would be buried with full honors at Arlington. A few days later I got a call from the Marines and they said they would fly me out to be at the ceremony and the band would take care of the honors but if I wanted I would be the only one allowed to film the entire program. I did go and I did capture this moment on film. It is now a part of the BAA history. Every time I go to Arlington I play at Pappy's grave. Over thirty years the site got crowed. Just behind Pappy is Boxer Joe Lewis and Actor Lee Marvin....

In Palm Beach County, Florida, Corporal Burt Richards has gained attention for various awards and commendations he has received for his hard work and determination to educate on American War Veterans.

On July 7th, 2011, Corporal Burt Richards, Congressman Ted Deutch congratulated Corporal Richards in the House of Representatives in Washington DC.  Ted praised him for being awarded the American Red Cross Community Courage Award for his work in educating the youth about service of Veterans. 

Corporal Richards and the local chapter of the Jewish War Veterans spearheaded the campaign to close Palm Beach County schools in remembrance of Veterans Day. 

On November 1st, 2011 at the Headquarters of Palm Beach County Commissioner, Priscella Taylor, Cpl. Burt Richards was honored for his outstanding service to Palm Beach County, his Veterans Speakers Forum and the School Education Deed to close all Palm Beach schools on Veterans Day.

Three Palm Beach County mayors signed the proclamation and...

My father passed away on December 30th  after a 12 yr. battle with lung cancer.  My Dad was an Army Reserve Vet.

I mentioned to the funeral home about Bugles Across America and they were able to get a live bugler to play Taps for the flag folding ceremony.

I wanted to let you know what a great job the bugler did for my Dad.  We are very grateful.

Hello BAA,
I believe i saw your web site on Fox News a while back.  I served with 3/1 USMC in Iraq as a Navy corpsman.  I was wounded on July 4th 2004 and decided to learn Taps and train everyday.

Thanks again
Anthony "Doc"Embesi
USMC /NAVY

Tom,     Thank you for the mention in your latest newsletter. Next month will be the seventh year's anniversary of BAA's Sunday Taps Vigil in Belleville, MI. Thinking back to seven years ago, the first one was almost the last one. Our local Veterans Memorial is located on the eastern edge of a three mile long lake about twenty five feet above the lakes level. March in Michigan can produce some really violent weather, and March, 2004 was no exception. Mother nature couldn't decide on rain or snow, so she settled for sleet, with it coming in horizontally on gusts of wind in the 25 mile per hour range. It was like being in a peashooter fight, without a peashooter of my own. The entire audience consisted of my VFW Post Quarter Master and the local newspaper editor. Last night the weather here was similar, though not quite as bad, and there were still 22 people who showed up for the event. God bless them all.     I'd love to make the Arlington event in May but I'll have to see just how bad I want to be there in March....

A friend of mine just shared the recent newsletter for BAA for which she had written an article about her daughter Heather playing TAPS at a funeral on 12/23/11.  I was thrilled to see that there is an organization of volunteers playing TAPS! My father was a WWII Disabled Veteran who passed away 12/9/2001 and I went crazy trying to find someone to play TAPS for his funeral.  I couldn’t find someone from the regional high school bands.  The only way I had live TAPS played at my father’s funeral was to hire a musician out of our area and paid him $100.  The cost didn’t matter because it was just so important to me to have TAPS played live for my father. I will no longer have a need for TAPS to be played but this is a wonderful way to pay respects to those who fought so bravely to secure our freedom.  Of course, they can’t hear TAPS but it means so much to family and friends left behind. If I hear of anyone needing TAPS played I certainly will contact BAA.   Thank You Donna M New Jersey...

Thank you!   God has given all of us a mission in our lives.   Your path in life has given you a large mission, however, what a Wonderful Mission it is. You have touched so many lives by your idea and commitment. I wish that when my dad died in 1996, we could have had TAPS played for him. We just received the Flag from the Funeral Director which was a great gesture. However, what you have accomplished means so much more.   When I looked down from that choir loft on Dec. 23, I saw several people just touch their hearts and bow their heads when Heather played the very 1st note of TAPS. My dad was a very proud member of the Air Force from WWII. He played saxophone in a dance band overseas, and continued his music as a member of the VFW Band. I grew up watching him perform, and he taught me the proper was to raise, lower, and fold the American Flag. I looked forward to doing that with him on every Patriotic Holiday.   My husband and I share in these same strong Patriotic values.   Heather is very...

2012 will be a big year, of course.  News people will be calling and one of the questions they will ask is. "How many members are there with BAA?"  I usually say 7,500. Then the press asks "Are your members all Veterans?" No, they are from all walks of life.

We do have many Veterans and Patriots who Love America and just want to say Thanks to Veterans and their Families and music is how we do it.

We have over 2,000 female players and we are of every race, creed and religion . Then I tell the press we range in age from about 12 to 92. Actually at one time we did have a 100 year man still sounding Taps. He has since joined God's horn line in the sky.

HERE IS WHAT I NEED FROM YOU!!!

If you think you might be the Youngest or the Oldest please email me at tomjday@sbcglobal.net  with birthday and location. You just may be called on for an interview. 

Happy New Year

Tom Day
Founder

When YOU get an Email Request to Play Taps....... When you get the request PLEASE look it over carefully. Check the dates, Check the location, check the time. NOW check your schedule please. OK. All checked? And Yes YOU can do the mission. Then click on Volunteer. BAA now feels good that the mission has been taken. Now, please print the request. Call or email the Requester and get any other info you may need. This let's the Requester know You will be the real Taps player. Real  breath and Taps form the Heart. Take your copy of the request  with you. Why? Well when you arrive at the location at least 45 minutes early there may be a Military unit there  to fold and present the flag. They may have brought a person to lip sink on a digital device. Your request is from the Family and it is your duty to SOUND Taps.  So you work the schedule of events out with the Military person in charge and you do your usual great job. Should the family member come up to you and shake hands and put something in your hand PLEASE...

Just another note of pride, as I believe my daughter is one of many of your young person volunteers who are providing this great service to our Veterans' families.   Last week, I received a phone call to provide the funeral music for a distant cousin at our church on Dec. 23.  Heather was home from school, so she cantored the funeral.   After finding out the military background, and American Legion involvement of the deceased, I asked Heather to bring her trumpet, and we would also do a trumpet / organ selection of Panis Angelicus, and God of Our Fathers at the funeral mass.  I told the widow, and she was quite pleased.  Heather was also prepared for TAPS, if needed. Arriving early to church to set up, we saw there were members of the local American Legion, and the ARMY who were available for the Military Honors, including the "Bugle" with recorded trumpet music.  We realized she should not usurp the members of the military, so we were content to do our regular music and be observers.   After performing...

Tom (Day)

Thank you for the service to our veterans.  Someday in the future my family will need your service for my funeral, I am paying for it and others while I can.  Please keep up this valuable service that the federal government should provide however you have stepped up and filled the void.
 
Russ

Take the next week to think about the wonderful freedoms we enjoy and the blessings our country offers its people.  Without our veterans many of these freedoms would not exist.  In fact, we wouldn't have these United States without patriots.  Many of our service members are away from their families during the holidays.  Please keep them all in your prayers as this is difficult during this time, more than ever.  Fly the flag proudly.

Enjoy your celebrations friends.  Again, God bless you for serving and volunteering our heroes AND those families left behind.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ron Glazer
BAA National Chaplain

Hello buglers!

TWO EVENTS FOR BAA BUGLERS HIGHLIGHT THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF TAPS

Two significant events commemorating the 150th anniversary of Taps will take place in May and June 2012. All Bugles Across America buglers are invited to participate in these historic and musical commemorations celebrating Taps. “ARLINGTON TAPS 150” The 150th Anniversary Commemoration of Taps At Arlington National Cemetery May 19, 2012 10 AM-12 Noon Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia 22211 Taps 150

Taps 150 will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Taps, our National Song of Remembrance, in the Old Amphitheater (near the Lee Mansion) at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on Saturday May 19, 2012. The event is sponsored by TAPS 150, Bugles Across America and Arlington National Cemetery. All buglers and trumpeters are welcome to attend the ceremony and perform Taps in Arlington, our nation’s most sacred ground.   Following...

The Brass Blast The Southington Brass Blast is a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest trumpet ensemble and a benefit for organizations that support students and musicians, including The Mill Foundation for Kids and the Connecticut Music Educators Association.   At least 1,200 trumpeters are needed to break the record. We will be performing The National Anthem and a selection that meets the Guinness criteria for this record breaking attempt. Other pieces to be performed include "America the Beautiful", "Grand Old Flag" , and "Gonna Fly Now". Even trumpet players who haven't picked up their horn in a while, especially parents of current trumpet students are encouraged to join us. This will take place on April 21, 2012 at the Southington High School in Southington, CT You can see full details, register, and even download the music scores by visiting http://southingtonbrass.com/brassblast.html...

Hello everyone.

I hope this finds you well. I have been given a once in a million opportunity to play TAPS in Honor of ALL our fallen Veterans of the American freedoms we have due to their sacrifices.

To be chosen for this Ceremony on May 19, 2012 at Arlington is the highest Honor I have ever received. I will stand tall, to the best of my ability represent myself, The Lake County Military Funeral/Honors Team, Bugles Across America, and TAPS 150, and the Hollowed grounds at Arlington to the highest of Military Standards.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a very blessed 2012.
Thank you.

Bill Vann
Veteran/Bugler with The Lake Co Military Funeral/Honors Team, TAPS 150 and Bugles Across America.
Lake County Ca

NOTE: To play TAPS at ANC one must  either BE a Bugler of the 3rd Army, or have Congressional approval.

Hawaii Five-0 crew disgraceful to WWII Pearl Harbor survivors.

http://www.850koa.com/pages/cmn.html?article=9501489#.TulmKnbFpJh.email

My son, Tommy, a young and new BAA bugler in Florida, played his first mission on Thursday, the 8th of December.

I stayed in my van parked in a position where I could watch the whole ceremony. First, Tommy met with the VFW honor guard and the commander gave him instructions on how to stand and when to play. Well, then came three young active Marines who, of course, looked absolutely awesome. They approached Tommy and shook his hand. His smile looked like Christmas morning!  He looked at them like they were rock stars. After the marines took their positions, the VFW commander came back and reminded Tommy how he should be standing. So, he composed himself again and wiped the goofy grin off his face.

Then the family arrived.  I thought the ceremony was perfect. Tom played flawlessly which was a big relief to me and I'm sure to him. I had tears in my eyes as I watched the Marine handed over the folded flag.

Thanks!

Tina S.

 ** Update**  The USMC called and asked where he was located...

I just returned from our annual December trip to Indiantown Gap National Cemetery where I serve as the ceremony bugler for the Wreaths Across America event.  Somewhere between 1200 and 1500 in attendance and over 3700 wreaths placed today.  One of our experienced buglers, Jeff Miller, sounded Echo to my Taps.  Had the opportunity to meet face to face for the first time with two rather recent BAA enrollees, Joe May and Con Snavely.  I had invited them to come and to bring along their horns.  After the ceremony in the PA Memorial ampitheater, the four of us spread out and wandered the grounds so that we could offer to sound Taps for individuals that were there to place wreaths on family members graves.  As I was making my way up to one of the farthest sections, I could hear the sound of Taps ringing from all corners.
 
Howard

We want to congratulate Massachusetts bugler & State Director, John Collins for receiving an Achievement Medal for sounding Taps at more than 1000 Army services.   This was honored to him at the Massachusetts State House in Boston on Veteran's Day 2011.

John is the only one there dressed in a Coast Guard uniform. The rest are from the 54th Honor Guard Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard. Some are reenactors in the uniform of the 54th in the Civil War. The 54th then was an all black outfit.

Congratulations John!  We're proud to have you with us!

Attention Buglers!

There is a new Chicago drum corps focused primarily on LOCAL activities at low cost.  They will be attached to DCA more than anyone else ... NO DCI connection.
 
This "might" be the new wave .. away from DCI to more affordable and reasonable corps activities. The Cadets also started their "Cadets2" corps which is also affiliated with DCA.
 
For more information...
http://windycitylegion.yolasite.com

Happy Thanksgiving!  We have a lot to be thankful for.  Thank you for all you have done and for all you continue to do.

A quote from Luke's Gospel drives me; thought I'd share it with you as I believe you already live up to it, but of course there's always more to be done:  "To whom much is given, much is required."  I'll fill you in soon on my conversation with NJ Governor Chris Christie and my local state Assemblyman Peter Biondi regarding BAA and a law I'm pushing to expand - NJ Honor Ribbon of Service for volunteer buglers.  The bill is ready for introduction in the upcoming legislative session.  It could be a model for other SDs to use across the country.

Jim Gallombardo
Asst SD - NJ

Psalm 107:1 
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)

I thank my God this morning for those of you who sacrifice your precious time away from family to serve our extended family...our veteran heroes and those they leave behind.  God bless you for giving over and over.  Enjoy your beautiful Thanksgiving table today and please take a moment to pray for our military who are still fighting across the world.  Their families need just as many prayers as they manage things at home.

Thanks again for all you do to serve our heroes!

Ron Glazer, Sr.
BAA National Chaplain

Hey Tom -   The radio interview on Nov 10 went very well !!! It was a live 1 hour show, and I will send you a disc of the program. I have received some excellent feedback regarding BAA and fielded calls from potential new members.       Doug Ebersole and I will do our 3rd annual Dallas Ft Worth area bugler meeting in January. We are thinking of doing it more like a lunch or dinner, more of like a thank you for the area buglers who come out. I have some left over notebooks from last years meeting, and will add some updates with BAA info in them, and I will hand those out to those who are interested. In the past, our meeting has been a few guest speakers, myself, and Doug talking about being a member of BAA, how to access the website, and a lot of technical stuff. So I think a lunch or dinner thing, casual, will be better. The people who attend are the regular players, and if any of the "new" players attend, well we can handle that, too. Will also be a good time to talk about Taps 150 at the lunch/dinner....

Dear Network For Good and Bugles Across America Supporter:   I have tried to thank each and every one of you personally each time you have helped our cause and mission.  The mission and cause of BAA is to Save and Preserve LIVE music and provide Veterans and their families LIVE TAPS at Military Funeral Honors.  We started in 2000 and 12 years later our volunteer buglers have performed at 200,000 Services.  All FREE and NO help from the government. In 2012, we will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the first playing of TAPS.  Our National Song of Remembrance is described as “The 24 Hardest Notes You’ll Ever Play”. Events will take place in Virginia, New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania mainly because of the relationship with Civil War General Daniel Butterfield and his Bugler, Civil War Hero Oliver Wilcox Norton.  This will be a yearlong series of events across the country for those who keep the music alive and observe the passing of our veterans and the service of the men and women who are currently serving. ...

At the request of my good friend George Cippon, who owns a fine collection of ancient trumpets, I agreed to join him in a talk about the history of the trumpet. The pics show me resplendent in my uniform holding forth. The first picture shows George and his wife with examples from his large collection lying on the table in the background. The second is of George Zoske, a bass trombonist and band leader, and his wife Joyce, a bassoonist. In the last, I am demonstrating my copy of Hans Hainlein's (Nurnburg)1632 natural trumpet (no valves), which I hand made at a workshop at Indiana U about five years ago. The workshop guides were Bob Barclay, well-known and honored by the International Trumpet guild, and Richard Seraphinoff, who hand produces copies of 18th and 19th century valveless horns. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Fondly, David Geffen ...

I quit smoking in 1993 at 48 years old. I smoked 3 packs a day for 30 years. I started packing on the weight. A friend of mine where I worked was a marathon runner. He saw me on the treadmill at work  one day and asked me if I would like to run the Marine Corp marathon with him.I told him I couldn't run 26 miles. I told him at had a buddy KIA in 1968 in Vietnam. He told me alot of people run the marathon and dedicate it to people who were KIA in Vietnam. The seed was planted. I started training and ran the Vermont marathon in May. I then ran the Marine Corp the following October.

    I ran a total of ten marathons in 4 years. In 2007 my left knee gave out. I had total knee replacement, but it didn't go as planned. I had to leave work and wait the pain out. When I couldn't run anymore I decided to learn to play Taps on the trumpet. Well 3 years ago I decided to try and walk the Marine marathon again and dedicate it to my buddy and all those on the Wall. I even had a tee- shirt signed by all the Marines who...

"Dear Alan, Dad fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.  He was and we are truly blessed!  I want to thank the Bugles Across America and you for making my father's funeral and graveside honor guard so very special.  Thank you for the extra touch and Taps.  As with all good Marines, we know he will stand in the final roll call formation.  Semper Fi.
-- The Family of Dale S. C. "

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR “Birth of an American Tradition” The 150 Anniversary Commemoration of Taps June 22-24, 2012 A Musical and Historical Celebration Registration Berkeley Plantation, Charles City, Virginia 12602 Harrison Landing Road, Charles City, VA 23030

  Please visit the website Taps 150 There is much information plus photos and maps of the area where the event will take place. The event schedule is also posted.   This three-day event will commemorate and celebrate the birth of America’s national song of remembrance with Civil War re-enactors depicting the Union Army (the 83rd PA) at rest at Harrison’s Landing (on the grounds of the plantation) following the Seven Days Battles in late June 1862. Living history programs will feature the music of fifes, drums, and bugles, including the commemorative sounding of Taps on Saturday night....

Right now any convention will be sometime in 2013. The reason is that I would like to have everybody's attention on doing events for 2012 for Taps 150. In 2000 few people knew about Taps and it's history and why it is so important. Also folks related Bugle to clothing as in Bugleboy. Now as we approach 2012 ebay shows us several different makers of G-F horns and BAA has become thee place to go for help planning a Military Funeral, and the help requests come from Families, the Military, Funeral Homes, Veterans groups and more. Our attempt to save LIVE music is working. In the past twelve years we have battled the government and their attempt to digitalize the process and we are winning. We have had a great deal of press and new members sign up every day. In these same historic years we have earned the confidence of so many in the Military they now call us, BAA first. The sad facts for the future is that as the federal budgets are cut, we will even be in more demand. One letter stands out from the Army...

The Kingsmen Alumni Corps will be performing for the Fullerton Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 3rd at 5pm in the Downtown Plaza. Our next Rehearsal is Thursday, November 17th from 7 to 9:15 pm. Everyone is invited to come on down to the 40th Infantry Band Room and play some fun music. Rehearsal address: Joint Forces Training Base 40th Infantry Division Band Room 4506 Doolittle Ave. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 (Please respect all rules of this military base) Click here for map and directions: http://is.gd/e8c56 We have chairs and music stands in the band room, but please bring the Christmas music from our website. Performance/Meeting Location: Downtown Plaza in Fullerton (just east of Harbor Blvd) 125 East Wilshire Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832 Meet at 3:00pm, perform at 4:30pm If you need a copy of the music, you can login to our website and download it here: http://xKingsmen.com Regards, Gary Kean...

Our Louisiana State Director, Reagan Moon, was featured in his local news about playing Taps. Nice video! Great Job Reagan!

"Area Man Learns to Play Bugle For Veterans Funerals"

http://www.ktbs.com/first-news/29734781/detail.html?taf=shrev

 

 

This year, the Alabama Veterans Association invited Alabama State Director, Gene Ramasy,  to participate in their annual celebration held at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park. Gene was asked to perform "America the Beautiful" and "Taps" during an Iwo Jima reenactment.

This photo is of Gene and one of the coordinators for the event.

NEWS RELEASE ITEM   In celebration of Veterans Day Bugles Across America will be holding a ‘Rolling Taps’ at Fort Snelling National Cemetery Friday November 11th.  We plan on playing at 4 pm near the front entrance of the cemetery.  If your media is looking for something pertinent yet unique for that day, we invite you to cover us as we say ‘Thank you’ to the Veterans that have gone on before us.      Rolling taps is taps played in a circle by numerous buglers.  It is played in a “round” so as to offer a prolonged echoing effect, much like the popular ‘echo taps’ only greatly amplified.  To our knowledge it has never been done at Fort Snelling but is done annually at most national cemeteries around the country.      Bugles Across America currently has over 8,000 members across the US, 129 of them in Minnesota. BAA was founded in 2000 by former Marine Thomas Day.  We are a non-profit organization dedicated to assuring all veterans have access to a live bugler for their military funeral.  I don’t know the...

Starting in 1953 Tom Cushing took up bugling, pictured here playing “Taps” in Union Station Chicago in 1955, in his St. Gregory High School uniform, in Norwood Park Imperials uniform in 1956, Skokie Indians uniform in 1960 and in Bugles Across America 2011. The Official Bugler for Griffith , Indiana American Legion Post 66, he has been playing in public for over fifty-eight years. Inducted into the BAA Bugler’s Hall of Fame in 2007 he finds it a privilege to able to honor veterans in a way that pays tribute to their service to the U.S.A. and show some gratitude for veterans organizations that contributed so much to my youth while marching and playing virtually all over this great nation of ours with competitive drum & bugle corps. Very sincerely yours, Tom Cushing, BAA ...

I need more players, I will be doing the Marines Hymn and am looking for players to do the other service songs. Tom Day Event Name/Deceased: Veteran's Appreciation Day Address: 3501 S. Laramie Stickney/Cicero, IL 60804 Requestor Name: Tim Liston Requestor Email: tliston@hawthorneracecourse.com Requestor Phone: 708-780-3733 Title: All welcome Branch: Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard Date/Time: 11/12/2011 13:00 Additional Info: Dear Buglers, Hawthorne Race Course is hosting a Veteran's Appreciation Day at the track for veterans and active service men/women. We are having dedicated...

Hi Tom - I just got back to my office after having played taps for a WWII Capt. that was a pilot of the 8 Air Force that had flown 35 missions.  Also received the distinguished flying cross medal.  The burial was in Pacific Grove over looking the ocean next to Asilomar. I tell you this as I continue to receive those long and tearing family faces that are so grateful for having live taps played.  I feel so privileged to be part of the Honor Guard, or as was the case this morning, I WAS the Honor Guard!  The burial ceremony was attended by 9 people, mostly family and lasted 15 minutes in a public cemetery.  I was quite taken back when walking back to my car - the son told me he knows we buglers play for nothing  -  he so appreciated the effort I made coming from San Jose that he handed me $200 for my effort! I usually wind up with an envelop stuffed in my hand with a generous amount of money.  I have to chuckle now when thinking back to the fuss I caused earlier about reimbursement of expenses.   Tom...

We just thought we'd share a photo of this gorgeous wooden bugle Tom Day had ordered and is being sent to him.

The Flag was designed by and made for Taps 150 in Chicago by Tom Day Founder of BAA. One was sent to Hartmut Houser our Bugler in Germany. Hartmut works at the American Veterans hospital in Landsthul, (may not be the correct spelling). This hospital is where  the wounded go from our current wars. This is where the president has been and entertainers, and big deals from all over . The flag is on display there and these visitors have signed it, Like the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Gov. of Illinois who is also pictured signing, already on the media section.

This flag will be flown in the Chicago Memorial Day Parade May 26th, 2012

Just a few things Tom Day is scheduled for over Veterans Day weekend. What are your plans? Please post them here! Former Imperial/Norwood Marching member and Drum major of the Mighty B corps, Tom Day,  will be teaching kids about Taps on Nov. 10th 8 am Pershing School, 10 am Piper School, noon Freedom school all in Berwyn, Illinois.   Nov. 11th Mayor of Chicago asked Tom to sound Taps at Solider field Chicago 11am.  Then on to Divine infant School, Westchester to join a Mass for Veterans and tell about the history of Taps and Close the Mass with Taps and give Medals to Veterans all invited.   Nov. 13th Fire Rifle and Taps at Trinity church Berwyn 10 am Horn Players and Rife persons invites free food..   In September on Constitution Day Tom was commissioned as the newest advisor for Veterans affairs for the Secty of State , Ill. Last week Tom got a special award for Helping The Marines of 224 on Foster Ave. in Chicago for helping with Flag presentations for two change of Commands in 2011 and sounding Taps...

Alabama’s Bill Rigby, who has been active in Guantanamo Bay, recently took on a special, personal assignment. 

CDR Chuck Dohery and Bill served on active duty together and for the same company. In October while in Iraq, Chuck died of a heart attack.   Bill flew to Germany and escorted Chuck home to Texas.  On October 17^th, Bill sounded Taps for his friend.

Thank you Bill.  Well Done.

The morning of May 28th 2011 held many uncertainties and many more promises for what was planned. Amtrak’s Union Station in Washington DC was the meet-up point for an estimated 40+ trumpet players and family members. Our plan was to meet upstairs in the garage area away from the crowd at 8:00am for briefing and rehearsal, load up at 8:45 and head to the WWII Memorial. The total number was 28 trumpeters. We rehearsed “Amazing Grace”, “Stars & Stripes Forever” and unison “Taps”. The plan was discussed and laid out. I had people from all walks of life. Young and “young at heart”, veterans, non-veterans and active- duty and reserve military. Most were Bugles Across America volunteers with others that were friends of others who were interested in what we were doing. It was time to load up. We found the bus and proceeded to the WWII Memorial. We were asked by the “Friends of the WWII Memorial” to play “Amazing Grace” at the end of their service. This included many VIPs. Joint Chiefs Chairman ADM Mike Mullen...

Tom,

Thank you for sending the decals, buglers handbook and patches to me.  I greatly appreciate them and have been enjoying the CD immensely.

At the last minute yesterday, I was able to rearrange my work schedule to be able to play taps at the funeral of Seaman 1st Class Ellis Gordon Jr.  I learned that his ship was sunk in 1942 but he obviously survived.

Glad I was able to get there.  So many people, his widow especially, appreciated the presence and participation of the Coast Guard flag ceremony and TAPS played live.

Best regards,
Larry Buttimer

In early October our Louisiana State Director, Reagan Moon and his wife Janet, traveled up north and decided to stop in at the Getzen factory in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

Reagan was able to observe horns being produced and even watched as a Getzen worker crafted the brand new horn he custom ordered right in front of him.

Getzen’s display wall was a bugler’s delight and were several horns that caught his eye.  One peculiar one with many angles and twists and got a chance to hold Doc Severson’s horn (Johnny Carson's Band leader). 

The visit was a neat experience for any bugle lover and one Reagan won’t soon forget.

Recently, ABC’s Diane Sawyer has been reporting about things being made in America and not overseas.  As we can see, Getzen horns are definitely Made in America.

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/MadeInAmerica/

Thank you Reagan for sharing your trip with us!





...

On August 17th, 2011, New York bugler, John Schiavone, was featured in a beautiful & personal article in the Staten Island Advance.  There is video on the article page as well.
Enjoy.

http://www.silive.com/september-11/index.ssf/2011/08/911_reflections_john_schiavone.html

Dear Mr. Day,

Thank you very much for sending me the bugle. It was really exciting from the second my Dad sent me a text message that it had arrived. I asked if I could see it because I was on the way to my trumpet lesson. I took it inside to my teacher who spent half of the lesson helping me set up everything, who by the way is a member of Buglers Across America, Mr. Bolvin.  I have used it officially only once at the closing of an Eagle Court of Honor, but I hope it will find much more use through the duration of Boy Scouts and maybe afterwords. Again thank you for sending me the bugle and all of the other items.

From,
Andrew B.
Troop 232's newest Bugler

I just wanted to let you know, that I had the Proud Opportunity to play TAPS yesterday at Galloway's 11th Annual Salute to Our Veteran's ( Oct. 15, 2011), in Galloway Township, NJ.  This was held at Veteran's Memorial Park.   Herb Davis, Chairperson of the Veteran's Advisory Board contacted my High School Band and Choir Director.  I was recommended, as I was also participating as a Choir member at the same event.  I can not tell you the pride and honor I felt prior to the event.  After the event, I had the privilege of meeting many Veterans who approached and thanked me.... I even got a kiss on the hand!   Mr. Davis said that I would be the first person he called if he needed a bugler for future events.  I wish I could put this on my "event" log with BAA, but I guess since it was not officially requested through BAA, I can not type it in. I wanted you to be aware that I am extremely thankful to be able to provide this service.  I am very honored to be a member. Heather Berchtold...

It’s wonderful seeing someone becoming so inspired that they decide to pick up the bugle just to learn Taps so they can give back from the heart. “Can you help me get started in reference to playing TAPS for veteran funerals. I do not play at all now so I would just be beginning but have a strong desire to meet this need. Got your website from the article in the Sacramento Bee dated Sept. 11, about the shortage of buglers and Mr. Wong. I share this passion and am a retired veteran of USAF 1967-1971.

Thank you so much for your reply.

P.M.”

“I have purchased the Fun with Bugle book by George Rabbai. Maybe you could just recommend a mouthpiece I could purchase and get something started.

Thanks so much for your time.

P.M.”

Thank you so very much Mr. Day. I received everything on Tuesday. The CD is awesome. Am starting to make a buzz on the mouthpiece. Not as easy as I had thought but am working on it everyday.

Thanks again,

P.M.”

...

Going back to the early part of 2011 we put together the TAPS150 team and the result has been great. Jari put a CD together that is great. If you don't get one you will really miss out the many ways Taps can be intertwined with other songs. This CD will be the true collectors item for the future. Part of the team is working to get the old monument rebuilt for Oliver Norton at Harrisons Landing in Va. Well, Les Hampton and Col. Jerry Mc Donald just got Taps 150 a $6,000 grant to do the job. So far this year we had a great response from all the players for Spirit of 45, Memorial Day events, the 4th of July and 9-11. Thanks to all who were a part of all these events. During the year we appeared again on Chris Wallace Fox TV and ABC Diane Sawyer on Memorial Day and many of you did local News programs as well. All of these outings brought in over 500 new players. Howard and Larry put together a State Directors plan of attack and this is now part of my new 100 page BAA work book. Tom Cushing of Indiana...

Hello Tom. I just wanted to thank you for handling the ceremony at the cemetery for my dad. It meant a lot for the family. 2 Air Force personnel did show up after the ceremony and apologized for showing up late and gave their condolences. Thanks again. I have my dad's flag displayed proudly in my living room for everyone to see.

Thank you,
B.L.

To all you patriots
 
Sgt Angelo Vaccaro is having a remembrance at Deltona Memorial on 2 Oct 2011 at 10:00am.  Everyone who can come please come out just to support the family.   Being there at these helps.
 
Any other families in the area that are having similar Services please inform me and I'll get the word out.  We have SGT Rogers, SGT Quin's and MSG Brown and they are all from here,  Please let me know if I can help in any way.  We have a 4 Chaplains remembrance with The Killed in Action of today where we remember 9 KIA's in February 2012. Please keep that in mind.
 
Soldiers never Die unless they are Forgotten.
WE DON'T FORGET                     
 
John Murphy
386-789-0400
US Army Bugler
jremy@cfl.rr.com

Mr. Day,   I write to you with a request from U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre.   Congressman Mike McIntyre recently introduced the attached bill, which creates a medal to honor veterans that have made outstanding contributions to their communities beyond their time of military service.  Currently, no national medal exists to recognize exemplary veterans who have significantly impacted their communities by giving of themselves after their time of service has ended.   Congressman McIntyre was motivated to craft this legislation after seeking recognition for Mr. Erwin “Bud” Sweetman of Sunset Beach, NC, who enlisted as a field soldier in the U.S. Army at 19 years old, deployed to Europe during World War II, and stormed the beaches of Normandy on August 3, 1944.  On this day, a machine gun wound forced him to receive blood transfusions at a field hospital—transfusions that ended up saving his life.  Since that day, Mr. Sweetman has dedicated his life to a number of civilian causes, but most notably, to the American...

As many of you know, several different organizations around the country have a display that shows the rifle with barrel down into the earth or a holder. Along with the rifle are boots and on top, a helmet. The scene depicts a battlefield memorial for a fallen solider and sometimes you see dog tags hanging from the rifle.

Tom Day had the gear and his neighbor, O.B. Mann, had the ability to make the base.  Together they worked and made it so the rifle would stand and the boots attached. 

Added and will be added are the cap emblems of four service branches, BAA coins, a badge from the Tomb of the Unknowns, The Gold Star Mothers and Dad's pin Tom designed (which is now used around the country), the BAA bugle pin, a white folded flag and a miniature folded flag in wooden case. 

This is a photo of the new display which will be used for various funerals and events in the Chicago area that need the extra touch as well as for the many speaking programs Tom is invited to speak and sound Taps for.

...

BAA Bugler, Gerry Schuck, was featured in a Star Exponent article on Sept 12th playing Taps at Wine Street Memorial Park. You can read it and see pictures by clicking Star Exponent above or here is just the text.  At the bottom is a PDF file with information about some special people that lost their lives 10 years ago. “Taps” sounded solemnly from Gerry Schuck’s bugle Sunday morning from Wine Street Memorial Park at 8:46 a.m. sharp.

Dressed in a dark blue blazer — decorated with an American flag, his father’s Pearl Harbor pin, a Bugles Across America patch, and a miniature bugle on his lapel — Schuck paid tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks by playing the emotional song four times on the 10th anniversary of that tragic day when nearly 3,000 people died on American soil in New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Schuck first played “Taps” at the park to honor the victims...

Note from Tom Day and the original Thank You letter. On Friday morning I got a call from a church in La Grange, Illinois. They had a Scout bugler but he was in the HS band and could not play at Friday Nights memorial for one of the men of the church. Could i come over and sound Taps? And , could i be in a Scout uniform? AHHHHH, I said yes with the hopes the uniform I put together five years ago for the Anaheim Kingsmen might fit.  So when i got home from sounding Taps for Divine Infant in Westchester. I got the explorer uniform out. YEAAAAAA it fit. I looked like an old Madison Scout. I went to the packed church and at the end of the service I stood up and filled the Church with Taps. As usual I packed up and Julie and I were out the door. We left Church with that feeling that we did a great job. The Man they buried brought Scouts back into the Church program. God Bless America, and All of BAA. Tom Day Original Letter to Tom From: CP To: Tom Day Sent: Fri, September 9, 2011 10:58:25 PM...

Fantastic article from the Greece Post on September 4th, 2011 about the DCA event BAA buglers in NY participated in.  Check out the link for pictures! http://www.greecepost.com/feature/x549437808/Bugles-Across-America-pays-tribute-to-vets-at-DCA-finals Rochester, N.Y. —

As Tom Allen told the audiences at Sahlen Stadium today at the Drum Corps Associates Alumni Spectacular, only 20 percent of military funerals include a live performance of Taps to honor military veterans.

Though it's protocol to have the ceremonial piece played, a recording is more often that not what's used.

"We are the drum corps' future and together we can go forward and do something about that particular issue," Allen said to the crowd.

Then, upon direction, hundreds of drummers and bugle players launched into playing a "Service Themes Medley," comprising the themes of the military branches, an echo performance of Taps, and a resounding arrangement of "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

...

Thanks Tom,
I know I've been asking for a silver field trumpet for a long time and you really made my day Mr. Day!   I received it last Thursday night and I've been playing it everyday.   I did 4 funerals today and everyone loved it!
I will be starting a bugler school in September, it will be free to boy scouts and students in Jr. High Band.   Wish me luck, if you have any extra bugles Bb or G doesn't matter, I can teach both! Lol.  Take care Mr. Day and God Bless you for all you do.   Let me know when you're coming to Austin, I would love to meet you.

Ray Gutierrez- U.S. Army Veteran/ Bugler

*** Tom Day will be in Austin with the Elks in late June early July 2012. ***

Another Thank You letter praising yet another BAA bugler.  Thank you Wendell Montney for a job very well done!

Tom, the bugler you and/or Hartmut Hauser got for Shep's funeral was so crystal clear it truthfully sent shivers down my spine. The TAPS was superb, every note so clear they seemed to hang in the air. Thank you from this old paratrooper for the send off of one of my battle brothers.
Jim Baskin

Bob O'Neal, Lt. Col. US Army (Ret.), shared with us a great article that had been published in the Fort Lewis "Ranger" Newspaper.  If it's too small to read, i've added it as an attachment as well.



OperationHomecoming2011 001.jpg

Thanks to all of you who took the time to play Taps this last Friday evening to honor those in this tragedy.  I had a terrific response to the email and estimate that close to 100 of you participated in this.  A special thank you to our own Tommy South & Russell Wilson who played "Echo Taps" at the Virginia War Memorial here in Richmond.  See the website link below of the local CBS affiliate coverage for this event.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUZQIQpQuSM&feature=youtu.be
 
Yours in Service,

John Blair
Virginia State Director
Bugles Across America
(540)538-0851

A call to all Bugles Across America Buglers.

September 11th, 2011 is the 10th anniversary of the attacks upon the United States by terrorist forces that destroyed the World Trade Center buildings in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the crash of an airliner into the now sacred ground near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Last year was the first commemoration of those attacks upon the people of the United States by many of the volunteer buglers of Bugles Across America.

This commemoration was not an official function of Bugles Across America, but it could not have occurred with the participation of the membership and without Tom Day’s help in passing the word.

This year with more time to organize, it seems that the response is not what I had hoped for.  I appeal to the membership to read the letter below and consider participating in the “September 11th Memorial Taps event.”

September 11, 2001 Memorial Taps

To all members of Bugles Across America,

During...

I just wanted to say that I used your organization to find a bugler for the memorial service honoring a relative who was a Pearl Harbor survivor, WWII vet, and 25-year Navy veteran.
The gentleman who responded to my request was David Shuma from VA. David was communicative in advance of the service, arrived early, played TAPS and then honored the family by joining us for a while at the post-service reception. One of my relatives commented that he "felt like family."  
David's representation of your organization is noteworthy and we sincerely appreciate his willingness to help us honor a special person who gave so much to his country.
My compliments to Buglers Across America for providing this generous service.
Sincerely,
Sandy Wadsworth

Our local newspaper here in Rushford, MN, did a little article on me and BAA.  Thought I would share it.  The writer is a young intern but didn’t do too bad, I guess.  Just a few issues. Derek Berg http://www.rushford.net/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=8192 ******************* For some people playing an instrument in front of an audience is unthinkable, but for Derek Berg it is a regular occurrence, and he is honored to do so.

Berg has been playing the trumpet for the Rushford American Legion since 1977 and has played at over 100 events. "I didn't serve in the Military so I try and serve those who did."

Berg has found an old bugle used by a relative in 1917 and is hoping to restore it. Ideally he would love to use it for taps but it is just a matter of fixing it up.

Berg adds, "I was at a military honors funeral in Winona and they had a tape recorder that played taps. The honor and dignity was not there" seeing and hearing this Berg joined the Buglers Across America (BAA) so he could provide the genuine article. He has now been participating in BAA events for two years.

...

BAA Bugler, Rich Yndestad, was honored recently in an article in The Naperville Sun, a local newspaper,  about Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/6474915-417/honor-guard-gives-veterans-a-fitting-farewell-at-lincoln-cemetery.html Rich Yndestad of Naperville drives an hour from his home down to Elwood every week to help honor soldiers who have given so much for our country. He considers it a small price to pay for all that members of the Armed Forces do for Americans.

Yndestad travels to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. It is a peaceful place — 982 acres of field and forest that contains about 26,600 graves of American military veterans and their loved ones.

For veterans like Yndestad, it is hallowed ground.

A fitting salute

On a recent Friday morning, the only sound throughout most of the cemetery was that of birds chirping in the trees.

Until three rounds of gunshots rang out, as seven M1 rifles delivered a final tribute to the nation’s warriors.

...

Last Memorial Day I attended the annual Memorial Day service in our town which is held at our local cemetery under a pavilion.  A year ago a friend of mine, fellow bugler, member of BAA and our local VVA chapter in which serve as buglers in the Honor Guard, sounded Echo Taps for that service. This year we waited for their call but there was none.  I attended and had my bugle in the car just in case.  I wasn’t asked and was curious to see what was going to happen.  At the appointed time, someone pushed a button and Taps came out of a boom box.  I was amazed, disappointed, and ashamed.  And by the way, after the service, two people came up to me and asked me if I played that.  In disbelief I assured them that it was electric.  Anyway, my point is that Kevin Hussey and I must be on the same wave length because I left that service, drove home, put my uniform on, returned to the cemetery and proceeded to sound Taps 5 times in different locations throughout that cemetery.  It was what I could do to remedy the indignity...

From the Philly.com article http://articles.philly.com/2011-08-15/news/29889420_1_wwii-veterans-monuments-men-veterans-affairs . . . Clayton P. Graybill, Joseph Guizio Jr., Bernard V. Fite . . .  Their names are forever etched into the base of the Angel of the Resurrection at 30th Street Station, a memorial honoring more than 1,300 employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad who died in World War II.

WWII veterans - the country's "Greatest Generation" - were honored Sunday at a ceremony in front of the towering sculpture by Walker K. Hancock, also a veteran.

The observance was one of hundreds across the country, with Philadelphia hosting the official opening ceremony. A two-day tribute was held over the weekend on the Battleship New Jersey in Camden.

Last year, Congress declared the second Sunday of every August the National Spirit of '45 Day. This year it coincided with Aug. 14, 1945, when President Harry S. Truman announced the end of the war.

Warren Logan...

Tom Day has run into this question recently and thought it might be time to share this information with you again should find yourself needing it.

Thanks.

**********

1. See if you have the deceased's military Discharge or a form called DD214

2. This goes with you to the funeral home and you request a Military Funeral. The funeral home then makes the proper call and you will get at least two military people to fold and present the burial flag.

3. The Funeral home director completes a form 2008 and takes that to the post office to get the FREE Burial Flag."

4. You can then go on our web site. www.buglesacrossamerica.org  at the top it says "Request a Bugler", Click on this and a form will fold down. Complete the form fully and hit submit. The request will go out to all Players with a 100 mile radius of the Burial. At the bottom of the form is room to tell a short story about your loved one and put in there you would like the bugler who takes the mission...

Our Michigan State Director, Forest Malott, thought you might find this interesting.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7367662n

September 11, 2001 Memorial Taps

To all members of Bugles Across America,

During our first “September 11th Memorial Taps” last year, we had over 200 participants and we consider that a great success considering that we only contacted buglers about 10 days prior to September 11, 2010.  Once again I thank all those participants along with the fire and police departments that joined some of our buglers.

The 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 is coming fast upon us and I invite all buglers to participate in playing Taps at the exact times of each of the four attacks on the United States and its citizens on that fateful day.

This year on the second “September 11th Memorial Taps” our goal is to have at least 1,000 buglers participate.  We have a little more time to plan for this year’s event.

I strongly believe that there is a need to remind the American public of this “Second Day of Infamy” in a meaningful and emotional way.  What can be more meaningful and emotional than hearing...

For the second year in a row the Marcy Night Express Band entertained the clients and families of Helping Hand Center, in Countryside, Illinois. It was great big band music and ice cream for two full hours. Holding the banner on the left is Julie Day with friend Neon. Great fun was had by all.
Tom Day

L-R Bugler, Randy Rawlings, Asst. Dir. Jim Houston& LarryWiseman founding members at the 2010 Spirit of 45 Event Visit the Website www.spiritof45.org Georgia Assistant Director, Jim Houston has done a remarkable job of organizing the Spirit of 45 event, to commemorate the end of WWII. It will held on Sunday, August 14th, at the Veterans Wall of Honor, in McDonough, Georgia, 130 Lake Dow Road, in Heritage Park. Many thanks go to the Henry County Parks and Recreation for their support in setting up for the event. County Commissioner Mrs. BJ Mathis will be in attendance. The Griffin Civil Air Patrol Color Guard will present and retire the colors, and the Bethany Baptist Church Celebration Choir and Orchestra, will have special Armed Forces music. There will be WWII Veterans as guest speakers, and two wreath laying ceremonies to honor the fallen. At the end of the program, buglers from BAA will perform Taps Chorale, an echo Taps arrangement, written by National Coordinator, Larry Wiseman. The public is invited.  See the link below to view the flyer....

I have an idea I’d like to share with you. Last year I lost a friend to cancer. Sgt Bob Simonsen was a Marine who served in Vietnam. I never met Bob but found him on a Marine Corp web site a few years ago when I was trying to find information on an old high school buddy who was KIA in Vietnam. He served with Bob and we became friends. Bob is an author and wrote a book   ‘’Every Marine’’ which told the story of the battle which my buddy and a lot of Marines fought in. Bob died last year of cancer and was a true Marine to the end. He lived in Riverside, California and I couldn’t attend the funeral. I thought of a way to Honor him in my own way. I went to the local papers and got the information on his funeral –time and date. I figured out when they would be playing TAPS. I went to a local cemetery in my town of Londonderry and sounded Taps to coincide with the playing in California.

  A few weeks ago we lost another Marine –Micheal Geary from Derry. I wanted to do for him what I had done for Sgt Simonsen....

Tom,
Thank you for all you did yesterday.  The time got away from me, but I wanted to let you know how much we all appreciated what you did for Cpl. Fardy's rededication ceremony.  We honored a great American yesterday, and your participation was truly appreciated.  The 21 gun salute and your playing of TAPS was truly beautiful.  You made the day special. 
Thanks again. 
Jim Furlong

Dear Veterans and Supporters,   There is a FREE Concert, Benefit & Resource Fair for 10,000 veterans and family at Soldier Field Aug 23rd from 11:30am - 9pm with the VA, SAVE Foundation and World Sport Chicago.   Please visit www.IllinoisWarriorSummit.com for more information to volunteer or participate.   We will have:   *FREE 6,000 Sport event tickets to veterans (2 each)- Chicago Slaughter Games, Sox Games, Cubs Games  (Must claim tickets day of event on Aug 23rd from 11:30am-9pm Soldier Field) *FREE FOOD, REFRESHMENTS and PARKING for 5,000 attendees *FREE T-Shirts for the first 2000 veterans (1 per veteran) *FREE Raffles and giveaways for veterans ALL day- Vacations, 50” TV's, Bicycles, Gift Certificates *FREE to student veterans (100) $100 book scholarships *FREE Valor Game Midwest competitions for 150 injured veterans www.ValorGamesMidwest.org   (Please Follow Valor Games Link to Register and Compete for FREE) *FREE KID’S ENTERTAINMENT...

Hello all, We just received some great news today concerning The 2011 Concert At The Park at The Ohio Veterans’ Memorial Park.   We have confirmed that we have two very special M.C.s this year….   -  Bob Hope of the USO, the nephew of THE great Bob Hope will be joining us! We will also have 100 collectable sets of 33LP Records of the great Bob Hope USO shows. These LPs contain recordings and photos of the Who’s Who of entertainment…..Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Judie Garland and 100s more… -  Tom Sweeney of the Fisher House – Greater Cleveland. Tom Sweeney is the Taskforce Chairman for Greater Cleveland. He is also a retired WKYC weekend Anchor. Mr. Sweeney is in charge of the project to build a Fisher House in Cleveland for the families of veterans being treated at the Louise Stokes Veterans Hospital . This is a great organization and they need your support. The Fisher House provides lodging and support to the families of our heroes! Donations can be made on the day of the concert or at any...

Once in the last year they were about to dispose of Bugling all together and for now they are keeping it.

- Tom

*********

Gentlemen:

As a long time member of the BSA, as well as a bugler, I would like to see Bugles Across America NFP added to the list of Websites and Organizations in the Resources section of the Music and Bugling merit badge book.

In 1999, when the Department of Defense issued a directive listing guidelines for honoring members of the military services, one of the points emphasized the performance of Taps by a live bugler, either military or civilian. As a result, Bugles Across America NFP, a volunteer non-profit organization was founded by former marine Thomas Day in 2001.  The only requirement is that the bugler (who can be of any age, race, creed, nationality or physical appearance) be able to “ . . . play the 24 notes of Taps with an ease and style that will do honor to the Veterans, their families, and the burial detail performing the service.”

Including...

To all American Buglers,

This is an open letter to all members of Bugles Across America.  The 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 is coming fast upon us and I invite all buglers to participate in playing Taps at the exact time of each of the four attacks on the United States and its citizens on that fateful day.

During our first “September 11th Memorial Taps” last year, we had over 200 participants and I consider that a great success considering that I only contacted buglers about 10 days prior to September 11th.  Once again I thank all those participants along with the fire and police departments that joined some of our buglers.

This year on the second “September 11th Memorial Taps” our goal is to have at least 1,000 buglers participate.  We have a little more time to plan for this years “September 11th Memorial Taps.”

I strongly believe that there is a need to remind the American public of this “Second Day of Infamy” in a meaningful and emotional way.  What can be more meaningful...

Perhaps some of you Ohio buglers may be participating in this already, but for those of you who aren't, this sounds like a great event!  There is more info below to download if you're interested! *********************** First, I would like to thank you for your support at The Ohio Veterans’ Memorial Park. Without your collective support, we could not have achieved what we have done so far.   As many of you already know, we will be having an event on August 14, 2011 at The Park. I have attached four of our flyers concerning the event. Below is a summary of the days events…   Sunday, August 14, 2011 the Ohio Veterans’ Memorial Park is proud to announce a Concert in the Park.  The event is being held to help raise awareness of the park and honor the men and women that have sacrificed so much to ensure that the rest of us enjoy the freedoms most of us take for granted.   The day’s activities include: ·         A 5K run to the wall which is part of the Subway Challenge Series.  Registration will begin at...

Bugles Across America and Jostens have created an official BAA ring that is available for order.  About the rings is on the first photo.  The pricing and photos of the BAA design is on the second page. Downloadable links below!



Jostens1.jpg

JostensRing2.jpg

In years past I have had the honor to help coordinate these services  Last year we had the honor of using University High School Band Buglers as well as Deltona High school band.   The 2 band directors and I will have to know if you wish to have 2 buglers go to the post for your opening service?   Also orange City Fire Department would like you to come out and cover the Orange City Program involving them the police Department and the City I suspect.   It will be only one firing after you finish at the post.  Debary has the Army coming in this year for their rifle team.  So you only have to cover Orange City this year if you can?   I am getting a jump on this because as of right now I have 53 requests for bugler support alone.  Also I need at least a month to get this out to the press.  If it is OK with Orange City and you.   I will forward this to Orange City Fire Department and the city also.  Please see what you can do. I know you are busy also. I am also forwarding this to LTC Moore-Loban JROTC at Deltona High School for a color Guard if she wishes to help?  ...

Hello Friends of Veterans and Organizations:     We are having several Veteran events in DeKalb County the last week of July. Please help us get the word out and all Veterans and Veteran Support Groups are welcome to any event. Thur. July 28      US Navy Show Band in concert with a USO Tribute type show         7 PM           Honoring DeKalb County Veterans and a Salute to ALL Service members                             Hopkins Park Band Shell - DeKalb, IL Fri. July 29     Kishwaukee Fest Parade honoring "Wounded Veteran Organizations"         7 PM       www.KishwaukeeFest.com                        Lincoln Highway (ILL 38) Downtown - DeKalb, IL                        NOTE: We will honor any special Veteran or organization - call for details                        Special Request: Still seeking a Honorary Parade Marshal (veteran) Sat. July 30     Veteran Fest 2011 honoring "Honoring Viet Nam & WWII Vets"       11 AM       Concerts and Food - on Face Book -Veteran Fest 2011                        ...

Hello all. Many of you should already be aware of the Proclamation that took place last year about Spirit of '45 Day across our nation.  This year marks the second year of this celebration and Bugles Across America and BAA in Alabama received national recognition for our part in the festivities. This year is even more special as the goal for this year during Spirit of '45 Day is to have at least 1945 bugler play Echo Taps across our nation starting on the east coast and ending in Hawaii, in honor of the final day of WWII. Last year, many of you remembered our fallen in a very personal way as time would not allow you to participate in any of the larger festivities.  I am sending this email to let all of you know that this year, Spirit of '45 Day will be held on SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2011.  The largest element in Alabama that remembered this day was headed up by BAA in Alabama and the Alabama National Cemetery.  It received the recognition we had hoped and we are planning to do it again. Last year, I was...

Jim Doepke playing TAPS at Arlington House and Vietnam Memorials on July 1st, 2011.  Jim has been a member since Tom Day started BAA.

Good Morning      This year on 9/11 it is the 10th Anniversary.   I expect allot of places will be doing a little more this year.  I am trying to get a jump on this.  In years past I have had the honor to help coordinate the  Deltona High School Band and buglers since 2002.  Last year we had the honor of using University High School Band Buglers where they also covered the areas.   I will have to know how many of you need them again this year.  The American Legion Post 259 has a color guard that falls out with them.   VFW 8093 also covers with a rifle team to augment the services.  Area III Military funeral honors Team Florida National Guard has also has helped with a rifle team.  Deltona Fire Department has a program every year with there color guard and department.  Orange City Fire department also has fallen out with us. chaplains from VFW 8093 and American Legion Post 259 have helped with this.  These organization also have been helping with this since 2002.  It has been my honor to see them year after year...

Jim Doepke former Wisc. HS band Dir.  now living in Fla. Played Taps at my Best friend from Taft H. S. Chicago when he was sounding Taps through out the D. C. Area

Dale Allen Luster Capt. USMC Shot out of the sky over VietNam Sept. 26 1968. Dale was Tom Day's Exc officer in the Glenview NAS Squadron CAP and They were both officers in the Army ROTC and they won the City championship. Col. Joe Day helped get Dale a placement at Northwestern U. and the BAA medal is presented yearly in Dale's honor to the High Academic score Cadet in the Navy ROTC.

BAA medals are presented to schools in Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, and many schools in Florida.
Tom Day say's this is the coolest wall picture he has seen as you can just see the image of the horn and Jim's shoulder. The Wall panel 42 west line 19

Jari Villanueva , John Murphy, and Larry Wisemen keep Fla. going strong and add to the great work done everyday by Sgt.Major/ Ret. Blackman. This and all good visits to your area National Cemetery are always help-full. Fla. is one of the most active states thanks to John Murphy and crew. Close to John is Bushnell National Cemetery where over 140,000 are buried and they do up to 40 a day. Ed Crobie in Illinois asked me in 2002 how he could be involved at Abraham Lincoln National Veterans Cemetery. I said go on over there and introduce yourself to the folks in charge and tell them you want to sound Taps LIVE instead of using a recording. Result.... Ed has now about 10 regular horn players and Ed himself has done over 5,000 funerals there. Bob Miller at Riverside in California has done over 6,000 services. Steve Kalowski in Dallas, John Collins  in Mass. and crew and now with Larry Wiseman and Ray  Tanner in Georgia have taken over most of the Sounding of Taps at the New Cemetery north of Atlanta.  Most of this...

Hello Buglers! On Sunday, August 14th, 2011, we will be celebrating National Spirit of ’45 Day with performances of Taps all across America. From the ceremonies beginning at the Philadelphia Amtrak 30th Street Station continuing on to the National WWII Memorial in Washington DC and ending in Hawaii at the Punchbowl National Cemetery and every WWII Memorial we can in between, We Need YOU! That day, the nation will honor the 400,000 young Americans who gave their lives in WWII and the millions of the Greatest Generation who have passed away since, including the Times Square Nurse Edith Shain. From that joyously iconic Alfred Eisenstadt photo, Edith used her “accidental celebrity” to help establish VJ day as...

We love getting great reviews of our buglers!!
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Neil,

Thank you so much for being at the RFL of Lake Winnipesaukee on Saturday night. So many people loved that little extra touch of having you there to play. You touched many hearts...it just capped off a wonderful Luminaria Ceremony!

Thanks again so much...
Kenny Gates
Community Executive, Development
American Cancer Society of New Hampshire
New England Division

Posted by request for Tom Day: composed by Howard Reitenbaugh, National Coordinator, PA State Director State Directors Urgent Notice A Very Necessary Task for State Directors    As the result of a very recently repeated occurrence, I want to remind all state directors of an issue that requires your attention.    You are aware that when a requester enters information through our national Request a Bugler system, they are asked for address of the event and the Zip Code.  A problem can occur if the requester puts a name for the event location, such as cemetery or church name, in the Address box.   The Google Mapper will sometimes grab that name instead of the actual city, state, and ZIP.  That, of course, can cause the system to go looking for buglers in “all the wrong places”.   Several weeks ago we had the system looking for buglers in central Mexico to cover a service in California.  Not surprisingly, no buglers were found.  Just this week, we had a similar occurrence for a north-western Ohio mission,...

I just got the approval from Drum Corps Associates President Gil Silva today.   On Sunday September 4 at Sahlens Stadium (formerly PaeTec Park) in Rochester, NY as part of the Drum Corps Associates World Championship weekend, there will be a special performance of "Armed Forces Salute" and "Battle Hymn of The Republic" by members of Bugles Across America NYS, the Empire Statesmen Alumni, The Prime Time Brass, The Ghost Riders, members of DCA Mini-Corps, members of the Buglers Hall of Fame, and the Drum Corps Hall of Fame - I'm hoping for AS MANY AS 200-300 MUSICIANS on the field, complete with a "Stand Up and Be Recognized when your branch's theme is played " call to all veterans in the audience!   It is officially - for insurance reasons - an Empire Statesmen-led project, but introduced as "Bugles Across America of New York and The Empire Statesmen Alumni present"... We can also use this as a way to get to meet the Upstate NY BAA volunteers face to face.   It will be at the conclusion of the DCA Alumni...

Hello all, It's been suggested that we post various State Director's Pre-Screening emails so if anyone needs to be inspired or likes parts of someone elses letter.. we can use this as a tool to polish up our own letters!  I hope this is of some help! (I've taken out phone numbers to protect privacy) ************ VIRGINIA

Welcome to Bugles Across America you are receiving this email because you are currently on the Non Bugler list, either you just registered or you still need to set up an audition to be removed from the list.

Please contact me via email to set up your TAPS audition I will then place you on the bugler list so you may receive all notifications of missions in our area.

If you have any questions or concerns you may contact me any time via email or phone.

If I am at work I will not be able to answer my cell phone leave me a message or text and I will get with you on a break.

Kari Brewton Bugles Across America Virginia State Director *******************************************************************

...

1. See if you have the deceased's military Discharge or a form called DD214

2. This goes with you to the funeral home and you request a Military Funeral. The funeral home then makes the proper call and you will get at least two military people to fold and present the burial flag.

3. The Funeral home director completes a form 2008 and takes that to the post office to get the FREE Burial Flag."

4. You can then go on our web site. www.buglesacrossamerica.org  at the top it says "Request a Bugler ", Click on this and a form will fold down. Complete the form fully and hit submit. The request will go out to all Players with a 100 mile radius of the Burial. At the bottom of the form is room to tell a short story about your loved one and put in there you would like the bugler who takes the mission to call you and confirm.

I hope this helps.
There should be no charge for any of this.
Tom Day

On Tuesday June 7 and Wednesday June 8, Bugles Across America Texas chapter had the opportunity to attend the 125th annual Texas Funeral Directors Association, held in Arlington, Texas. BAA was represented by Steve Kalowski, one of the state directors in Texas handling the Dallas Ft Worth area and points north. On Tuesday, BAA, the Joint Service Honor Guard, and Texas Funeral Home Director's all participated in a panel discussion involving Military Funeral procedures. Information was shared between the groups and it was good to know that many Funeral Directors from as for north as Amarillo (thanks bugler John Brewer) and as far south as Houston and San Antonio have all heard of our organization, and were using our buglers. On Wednesday, BAA shared a table with the Joint Service Honor Guard unit at the convention expo, and it was another good opportunity to get the word out about BAA. Many thanks to MSgt Chris Ellis and SSgt Brandon Hutchinson, both with the Joint Service Honor Guard....

Hello everyone,

My husband made a digital image of the BAA logo so you wouldn't have to use the scanned photo of a patch if you didn't want to.    It can obviously be re-sized for your needs.  If you don't have a way to do so, email me precicely what you need.  Image size and DPI.  Otherwise.. here ya go!

Cheers,
Jen Day

BAA_logo.jpg

Our very own New York State Director, Danielle Masterson, just won the Spirit of Dutchess County award! 

Danielle won this award for not only sounding Taps for our fallen heroes, but raising awareness of the need for this service.

Check out this page her husband created congratulating her and giving full details.
http://www.kaelinmotion.com/SpiritAwardDanielle/

Congrats Dani!  You make us proud!

National Memorial Day Parade, Washington DC - Memorial Day 2011.

AKA: "Operation: Jericho"

From Ed Bilger

Apparently the heat affected a lot of folks yesterday, but we had 28 players show up.  Let me give you a quick review of what happened.....

We all met in the garage area of the Union Station.  The bus showed up on time.  Had a great rehearsal.  I gave everyone a little gift package from BAA.  We left the station a little before scheduled.  Hardly any traffic, but some detours made our trip a little longer, but nobody complained because we had air conditioning in the bus.

Arrival at the WWII memorial was, at best, confusing.  We had to park in the bus area, not left off as planned.  Seems I wasn't told I had to report to the security people with news of our arrival. 

I had an issue with the National Park Service rep with our pre-agreed plan with the Friends of the WWII Memorial Executive Director.  She told me we could not do what we had planned and the...

This is the sequence of a full Military Honors funeral. Thank you Grant in California! ****    ****    **** 1)  Military tribute to the deceased. (A brief description of his military service to his country and followed with the explanation of military honors)   2)  All present will be requested to stand and place their hand over their hearts; active military and veterans will render a hand salute.   3) The Army Honor guard will render a salute   4) The command  “Firing Party commander take charge and fire three volleys” will be given.   5) Three volleys are then fired.   6) The Firing Party will come to present arms. 7) TAPS IS PLAYED   8) The US Army Honor Guard will then fold the flag presenting it to the next of kin.  In case of cremation, the flag will be unfolded and then refolded and presented to the next of kin.   9) Then three empty shell cases will be presented to the family of the deceased.   10) All veterans present will be request to give the deceased his final salute.   11)...

I've done the National Moment of Remembrance for many years--since at least 2005.  I live in a small community of about 5,000 in rural Vermont.     For a few years, I sounded Taps at 3pm on Memorial Day at the local VFW Post, but it's kind of out of the way on a side street.  So this year, I sounded Taps on our lakefront, downtown.   We also have a parade in the morning and a big ceremony in another park where Taps is sounded around Noon.  Last year I did that, but this year we had a great high school trumpeter who did sounded Taps.  He did a super job.   Anyway, the local newspapers usually just cover the big ceremonies in the morning, and it was the same this year.  The high school Taps player had a nice photo in the paper, but they have yet to post it online.    As an interesting aside, I just checked remember.gov again.  It's been down all during the last few weeks.  I just found information that the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance expired at the end of 2010 (the tenth...

Hello buglers,

Thank you for taking the time yesterday on your day off from work or school!

I viewed the video my wife took, overall a great performance for the amount of practice we did together!

I hope yesterday and the practice time you spent was a great learning experience of what it takes to be a real Bugler!  

The submarine base is a great place for training and a smaller private venue to try out echo Taps.

Continue to practiced and support the Bugles Across America, American Legion, and Veteran's of Foreign War in your local area.


Michael W. Timson, MBA
Asst. Director Bugles Across America-California

This was the area set up at Universal Studios on May 30th, 2011.  The people in the pictures are all buglers and Jim Romand was there also.
Thanks for all you do
John Murphy

On Saturday, my sons, both Boy Scouts, attended the ceremonies at Georgia National Cemetery.  There, they helped assist with the placement of flags at the individual graves.  I feared that I would have to drag them there, but instead, they really got into it and were very moved.  They insist that we must return on Dec. 10 (my birthday!) for the wreath-laying ceremony.  BAA helps our family to help our children gain an appreciation for our nation’s military.  I am so grateful that this is something that we can participate in together.    We are hoping to prepare a BAA float for next year’s Memorial Day Parade in Dacula, which is a fine event. Today, I tried to volunteer for two BAA requests that came to my in-box.  To my delight, I found that both events were covered.  Delighted, not because I didn’t want to cover them personally, but because more alert buglers had already jumped on them.  Way to go, guys.  I know we can’t be everywhere, but the system is working. For me, one of the great joys of playing at GNC this weekend was spending time with other BAA members.  Face it – we’re usually on our own.  It was a pleasure to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones.  Thanks, Don, for getting us organized, hosting a rehearsal, and for the COLD water!...

Our BAA thanks go out to all who put work into doing an event this past week. I think BAA helped Families get through the Memorial Day Weekend with a great deal of pride for what THEIR VETERANS have done for this Country.

AND AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED VIA NETWORK FOR GOOD AND PAY PAL AND MAILED IN DONATIONS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

For people who do not play but want to support BAA, please contact me, Tom Day.  We would love to have media supporters by helping put posters up around town.

Now we must start planning for the 10th Anniversary of 9-11

This year marks an unusual date Nov. 11th, 2011   11-11-11 at 11 o'clock am.

Reminder......Big Reminder only one year to the 150th anniversary of TAPS.

Please visit www.Taps150.org and who you can help BAA make this one great year.

Thanks again.

Tom Day Founder

Dear Sir,

Just saw a commentary on Chris Wallace's Show on Fox News News today.  I put your website as a favorite.  We attended a funeral of a veteran in Boston who deserved full honors and a soldier played Taps for him on a phonograph.  I couldn't believe it.  All veterans deserve a bugler.

Thank you, thank you for your website and for the many buglers you have that give their services for a "fallen soldier".  We live the way we live because of those many soldiers that lost their lives.

God Bless you Sir

E.S.
Hyannis Port, MA

Here's a great story about Larry DuPree from the Cincinnati.com web site regarding him playing Taps at the upcoming General Assembly. http://local.cincinnati.com/share/news/story.aspx?sid=181865

Montgomery resident Larry DuPree, who has sounded “Taps” more than 700 times at services for deceased veterans, will play the solemn call for the Ohio General Assembly in Columbus Wednesday, June 8. DuPree, an Air Force veteran decorated for heroism during the Vietnam War, will sound the call at 1:30 p.m. as part of a nationwide effort to establish “Taps” as the National Song of Remembrance. He was invited by State Rep. Connie Pillich to play it for the General Assembly. DuPree also sounded Taps June 1 for Army Pfc. William “Seth” Blevins, killed May 23 in Afghanistan. Blevins’ funeral was at Eastern High School in Sardinia, with burial at Lutheran...

We attended a funeral some time ago where taps was played with a microchip in a horn.  We felt that is was sad and very wrong.  We were embarrassed for the man who used the recording.  

We saw your organization on the news and were overjoyed to donate a few dollars to help the cause.

Thank you!!
K

Mr. Day:

Thank you for what you do for Veterans' Families.  You surely are an
American Patriot.  I would like very much to send you a coin on behalf
of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Review Boards to show
our appreciation.  If you would be so kind as to send me a mailing
address, I will drop it in the mail.  

If you are ever in the DC area and have the time, it would be my
pleasure to buy you lunch and show you what we do for Soldiers,
Veterans, and their Families.

Again, many thanks for what you do.
Rudolf (Rudy) P. Koger
Chief of Staff
Army Review Boards Agency

On behalf of the DuPage Veterans Memorial, Inc. Board of Directors, I want to thank your Bugles Across America volunteers for joining us at our Memorial Day ceremony which was presented on Sunday May 29, 2011 at the DuPage County Government Center Campus in Wheaton, IL.   As usual, the response to our request for a bugler was responded to in less than a half hour after it was posted (Bruce Abney). And, it was a pleasant surprise that two of your guard members (Dottie Okon & Debbie Dettman) also attended, and provided flanking rifle honors as Bruce played TAPS. Our planned outdoor ceremony was moved indoors due to the torrential rains on Sunday, and what a pleasure it was to work with your experienced and professional volunteers who adapted so easily to last minute changes in positioning to accommodate our indoor presentation.   I have included attached images to this email that reflects images that my daughter took, and my cut & paste efforts of the Daily Herald media release with hopes that you will add these...

I hate to bog down your site with another email, but I just wanted to give my most sincere and heartfelt thank you for giving Americans such an incredible gift. I watched your documentary on TV earlier yesterday and was brought to tears. It was very helpful in teaching my children the true meaning of Memorial Day. I will check back often on your site and give as often as I can.

A.D.

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Dear Tom Day,

I saw your story on ABC news. I cannot tell you how much it meant to our family when 5 years ago at my Dad's funeral we had a military bugler play Taps. It was so moving. My Dad was in The Army Air Corps in World War II and was also a Police officer for over 30 years. I was very moved at hearing about your organization. Thank you for your efforts. I will be happy to contribute to your organization.

God Bless you and your family.

M.P.

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Dear Tom,

Yesterday as I sat watching...

I saw a segment about your organization on FoxNews the other day and wanted to reach out to see if there was any way that the Navy Memorial could assist you.

Respectfully,
Cindy Collins-McCalip
Vice President, Operations
The United States Navy Memorial

Great article covering some of our Connecticut based buglers and BAA!  Thank you Steve Smith for passing this along to us.

http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Buglers-group-sounds-final-salute-at-military-1397881.php

Article from the Kenosha News, 5/29/11 Snapshot: Jim Reynolds, bugler at veterans funerals, ceremonies by Brian Passino Jim Reynolds is a bugler who plays taps at local veterans services and funerals. He belongs to Bugles Across America, the Warriors Watch Riders and the Patriot Guard Riders. Q. How did you get interested in being a bugler? A. My grandparents and my mother were very active in the American Legion. Around the age of 10 I joined the drum and bugle corps which was sponsored by the American Legion. We developed patriotism at a very early age. By the time I was in high school I was doing military services for the American Legion. About three years ago the company I worked for told me I had the opportunity to be laid off. Since then, I’ve had much free time, and I’ve used it to do services for veterans, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Q. Were you trained as a musician on trumpet? A. I was given a bugle and told, “Go home and see what you can do.” And after 40 years I’ve gotten to the point...

In case you missed it, here is the ABC World News story they did on Tom, Taps & BAA.  Absolutely fantastic video!
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/honoring-fallen-13721280

Great article from the Orlando Sentinel about Taps featuring our Florida State Director, John Murphy and bugler, Jim Romand Jr.  Thank you gentlemen. Your dedication is inspirational.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-ed-darryl-owens-buglers-053011-20110529,0,5655479.column

Derek Berg from Minnesota passed on this article to us from the Winona Daily News.

It's strange and astounding to think that some would still prefer the digital over real breath and real heart but apparently the Winona Legion Adjutant does.  Derek has talked with them a few times and left info with them to no avail.  Pity.  At least BAA got our 2 cents in there.  Thank you Derek!

http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/article_b2722e58-8a74-11e0-b7da-001cc4c03286.html 

I want to thank you for the wonderful gift of talent and compassion your work has given so many.  One of your bugler volunteers came to my husbands memorial mass on May 13th in Arlington, Wa. I cannot tell you how much that meant for me, my sons, family and friends.   Your work is truly a gift to all family of veterans. L.C. ************************ Just a note. My father Lorenzo Garcia, a WWII veteran and Korean  veteran passed away on March 26, 2011. The military was present to present the flag to my mother and to play taps. I loved my father very much but was prepared emotionally for his passing, but at the funeral when the soldiers folded and presented the flag to my mother, I felt a large lump in my throat and my eyes watered up. It was one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever witnessed. And the playing of taps was also overwhelming. I just saw a piece on CBS about your organization to play taps at military funerals and I felt i should send you a note. I wanted to send a thank you to the organization...

We had a couple of writers cover the event on Sunday. One will be published in our weekend paper, the "Fairfield Citizen News" for Memorial Day, and the other has been published on line already. To read it, click on the link:  http://fairfieldctblog.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/the-hardest-24-notes/   It went really well, and all had a good time.

Have a great weekend-
Steve

Hey all,
We were informed from a bugler that he had been interviewed by his local television station (Ch 3) in Shreveport, LA about BAA and let us know that it should be airing on Memorial Day.   If anyone knows how to get the footage, we'd love for it to be posted on YouTube so we can can post it on the main and Facebook site.

If you know of any other footage that will be airing regarding BAA, please let us know (and if you can, send us a link to the footage, Great!).

You can send it to Tom D, Larry W or myself (Jennifer Day) and we'll make sure it's posted on the site. 
Thanks!

Well, Monday is a big day for many in our state.  If you have not been contacted or asked to provide Taps for the day of remembrance we call Memorial Day, let me offer up two options: 1 - The Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama will be doing a big presentation on Monday starting at 9AM.  I have been asked to do an echo Taps with a SGT Crenshaw who is part of a Veterans association that works on events out at the cemetery.  If you can make it, we can always use more echo buglers.  If you want to, contact me back.  Chances are we would meet at about 7:30 out there to rehearse the proper echo so everyone is on the same page...and somewhat in tune.  LOL. 2 - Find a local Veterans park in your area.  What I will do that evening in Gardendale, is go to the Veterans Park and provide Taps at the official time for sundown to finish out the day.  Usually no one is there and you may get some strange looks from onlookers...but it is in the spirit of remembrance and honor that we do these things. I hope...

Reported for duty at 0830 Saturday morning at the National Guard Armory.  I was going to ride with the NG team to a funeral up in McMinn County (about half way between Chatt and Knoxville). Since I was early, I was just standing around my car when another car pulled in the parking lot and it was David Davidson, another BAA bugler.  My first thought was, "oh great, they've double-booked us to make sure at least one bugler showed" but as it turned out, David Davidson was going out with another MFH team to a funeral in Winchester, TN (about halfway between Chatt and Nashville). This was his first mission with the NG.   So we "live buglers" were put to good use this morning!   While we waited, we discussed several topics and he was surprised when I told him he could wear his Army uniform to do MFH.  Davidson was in the 1st Cav down in Ft. Hood, TX.  I don't know if they'll let me wear his Stetson, but I think it'd look sharp!   It was nice getting to ride with Sgt. Brewer and Sgt. Parker.  I felt like we got the...

After serving as Michigan State director since the onset of BAA, Ross Medos has stepped down from this position. Thank you Ross for doing yeoman’s service. The families of all the Veterans we have sounded Taps for have benefited from your involvement. Ross has asked me to consider moving into the role of State Director and I have accepted. Therefore, I wish to introduce myself to all of you. Name; Forest Malott Residence; Pinckney, Michigan (about 20 miles NNE of Ann Arbor) Aged 65 years, married, 3 adult children, 3 grandkids, newly retired from U of M hospital.  I played Bb Base & Sousaphone in High School, but nothing more until I picked up a Bugle in 1994 just to goof around with. I discovered the BAA web page in late 2004 & volunteered. Sounded Taps for my 1st service May 7th, 2005 using an old Rexcraft Boy Scout Bugle given to me by a friend. I have since moved up to a Getzen AFT and been involved with local funerals & other “events” when the Howell Marine Corp League needed me; sounded calls...

Hey everyone,

Just wanted you to be aware of the new car magnets that will be available for purchase soon.  Here are some examples.

I had been asked to be at a Navy funeral on Tuesday. Only, upon showing up, I found they had a live bugler.  The young man and I met and it so happened that we knew certain people in the music circles we run in. 

Anyway, the OIC asked that we try Echo Taps. It was really an honor the team asked…multiple times… that we do the Echo.  Three rehearsals later, the family got two buglers…. And I made a new friend. It served as a reminder that at least this Navy funeral team honors and appreciates what we do. In fact, their bugler served with BAA for a short time in California. 

Sincerely,

Gene Ramsay

It is with sorrow that I must resign as Oregon State Director for Bugles Across America, and also as a volunteer bugler.  The opportunities and events have introduced me to a special group of people and have helped me develop a deeper respect for Veterans and our military, and for the people who support them.

Your vision in developing this service is inspirational and appreciated by many.  Those who hear the final 24 Notes to honor the veterans with the dignity they deserve will remember that special moment forever. 

 I have been honored to serve with you and your organization.

With great respect,

Greg Lampson

 ***   ***   ***   ***   ***

With the absence of an Oregon State Director, we are obviously looking for someone to fill Greg’s shoes.  If you know of anyone who might like to take on the role, please email Tom Day, Larry Wiseman or Howard Reitenbaugh.  Thank you!

...

Hi Tom, First, thanks for all the different patches for the scout merit badges...I only asked for the ones for the bugler. Your generosity is always a source of inspiration. Second, I read the news article on the website about the bugler who was sounding Taps for the second time. I would be grateful if you could put me in touch with him/her. I go through the same things myself. Having flown military and civilian jets responsible for the lives of hundreds of peoples, you would think I would be ok sounding Taps. Not So! I have been blessed the last year to be associated with the memorial squad at the Lincoln National Cemetery. Ed Crobie, as leader of the squad's buglers, is amazing. His encouragement and guidance has been unbelievable. My only goal is to sound Taps as well as he does. So please send along my email address to R.M. Tell him/her I said hi and I'm a newbie too. I would very much like to offer some encouragement...and of course talk about airplanes :) Thanks D.K....

Hi Tom,   Just a quick email to let you know that I volunteered for another Taps sounding thru a request from Bugles Across America.  This time everything went very well.  Not sure if you remember me from last December or not.  I was the one who emailed you about my first sounding of Taps for a funeral that was not perfect, and I felt really bad about it.  I practiced a lot more and used the techniques you emailed me back with.  This time, though I was really nervous, had an upset stomach, and did not sleep much the night before, it went off very well.  I really do not know why I get so nervous about this, other than it is such a solemn event and people are grieving the loss of a loved one, and I really do not want to make any mistakes at all.  I have flown combat missions and had many check rides in the plane that did not worry me as much as sounding Taps at a funeral.  Go figure.  Anyway, I will keep practicing and volunteering and hopefully I will get to a point where I can do this without so much fear and nervousness.  I have noticed that I tend to sound Taps the best when I first start practicing rather than when I have been practicing it for any time longer than 10 or 15 mins.  So on the day of the event I will practice it early that day for about 5 mins.  Then just do a quick buzzing with the mouth piece followed with three short notes right before the service starts and the people arrive at the site....

Tom,
I received the bugle yesterday.  WOW!  I can't believe how beautiful it looks for being so old!
You must have a great repair person you work with, it is just amazing.

I quickly put my mouthpiece in and played taps, and it sounds beautiful too!

Thanks again for doing that.  I look forward to assisting BAA as often as I can.

David T.

Hello! I am the Wisconsin State Director for BAA and I am asking for your help! 

I would like horn players to help with a Rolling again this year.  Please respond to me and let me know you can come! Bring a friend that plays or just bring a friend! I am hoping to do this 3 times this year! May (Armed Forces Day) Aug (End of WW2) and Sept (Sept.11th). This will all be done in Milwaukee unless someone wants to do one elsewhere.  We will be meeting at Wood National Cemetery at 10am and performing at 11am.  Please let me know and I will get more info!          

Thank you!! 

Bill Seaman

(414) 331-8651

BillSeaman62557@hotmail.com

When I see bugler requests that don't get volunteered for in time to cover the event, my spirit plummets.  I know there is only so much we can do being volunteer based and most people really do understand that.  Sometimes I feel compelled to email the requester apologizing for not being able to find a bugler in time for their service.  I saw one last week and realized this one particular request didn't stand a chance.  The Indiana zip code that was put in had 2 extra numbers and the web system didn't know what to do with it.... so it emailed the request to all the buglers in New York, Jew Jersey and Connecticut.   I emailed this gentleman and apologized that this error wasn't caught in time to correct it and find someone to play for his father.    .... I got a surprising email back. "Jennifer,     One of the buglers from Connecticut called me and told me about the zip code, and I re-submitted a corrected form, and a bugler near Indianapolis has contacted me, and is going to provide the service for my family and my father.  I also had the wrong date, as the service is on the 19th, not the 18th.  All has been corrected and plans have been made.  Thanks for your reply, and for the service all of you provide.  It is greatly appreciated!...

Someone shared with me a really wonderful obituary article in the January 17, 2002 New York Times of Keith Clark, Bugler for Kennedy.  We thought it might interest you.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/17/us/keith-clark-bugler-for-kennedy-dies-at-74.html

Hello all.

As May approaches, that means one things for many of the buglers on this list...Memorial Day.

Now, what I will encourage everyone on here to do is one of a few things:

1 - Find local celebrations in your area.  Many things going on and around Memorial Day would be great opportunities to provide Taps and/or provide information to various organizations and people who could use our services.

2 - Help at the Alabama National Cemetery.  A group of Veterans who work in conjunction with us will be putting together a program for Memorial Day at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.  If you can be there that weekend, please let me know by the end of next week so I can get a firm head count and so I can properly plan our part in the program.

I hope everyone is doing well.  We have had a few new people sign on to the BAA main site in the last few months.  I have emailed each of you and also added you to this list.  Your next step is to contact me via phone (see...

The family of Spec. Michelle M. Witmer (see link) have agreed to participate in our pre –Memorial Day Activities at Wood, on Friday 27 May.

http://freedomremembered.com/index.php/spc-michelle-marie-witmer/

We wanted to Muster at the “Memorial Area” Rally Point at Wood at 0830 - and conduct the following PROPOSED short Memorial Service, as follows:

1.) A short Benediction (my Church Pastor an ex-USMC Vietnam Vet will handle this piece)

2.) LTC Kaderavek’s men (if they will agree) will then raise a 5’ x 9-1/2’ flag we have prepared for this purpose on the main Flag Pole - alongside the Civil War Monument at Wood (with Bugler Sounding “To the Colors” – Bill Seaman of “Bugles Across America” has agreed to do this part)

3.) The same Honor Guard will lower the Flag to the Bugle Call of: “Retreat” (Bill Seaman again)

4.)  Flag Folding by LTC Kaderavek’s men - with the group presentation of those...

Join us in our first ever Connecticut BAA event designed to bring us all together as a group to meet, have lunch, speak with our own CT National Guard, receive playing tips from some accomplished buglers, discuss our goals, learn what is new at BAA, and play Taps together. This will be informative and fun for everyone. Bring your trumpet or bugle!  Click Read More for more details.

Greetings from Salt Lake City, Utah (actually Syracuse, Utah).

Just a thought - Steven Hinrichs, the young man who put together the “Bugles Across America – Recruiting Video,” for his Eagle Scout Project (now on BAA Forums and YouTube)  will be awarded his Eagle Scout Badge at a special Court of Honor Friday, May 20th at 7:00 PM at his church in North Ogden, Utah.

His mother, Judy Hinrichs has asked me to take a few minutes RE: BAA and the rigors Steven experienced in completing the requirements for his project.  I told her it would be my honor to do so.

Semper Fi,

L. Brent Christensen

SD Utah

Summer time brings out the buglers-in-training at Camp Roosevelt in E. Eddington, ME.  Aspiring buglers under the guidance of veteran bugler Peter Duston learn the basic bugle calls required for Bugling Merit Badge, the rarest Merit Badge of the 120 offered by the Boy Scouts. It was reported that last year, only about 200 Bugling Merit Badges were earned by the 2 million registered members of the BSA and in fact, the BSA tried unsuccessfully to retire Bugling as a Merit Badge.  Each week of the four weeks of camp sees 5 or 6 boys try out for bugling. Some are trumpet players in their school bands and some just want to make noise with a bugle.  Bugling Merit Badge requires proficiency in bugling and the memorization of 15 bugle calls, many of which are difficult and rarely used. Taps, of course, is the most important one as we BAA members know. Those 24 solemn notes represent the prayer of a grateful nation for the service of our deceased veterans and the sacrifice of our fallen noble warriors.  Attention to...

Attn. All Buglers.

Mr. Ed Sobolewski has been making custom BAA name tag for us for several years and they have our logo on them. Should you want to get one made up for your uniform or blazer contact Ed at
edsobol@att.net
or write to him at
Engravings by Ed
51232 Freedom Way
Belleville, Mich, 48111-4254

Ed does great work and gives back to BAA $0.50 on each order!

Thanks

Opening scene ; The end of the battle with rifle and cannon fire, smoke and men and boys running with flags a drums. Men falling and screams and moans and then silence . Next scene a number of people, men and women in the field of battle with wagons and stretchers picking up the dead and wounded. Next scene moves to a tent with General Dan Butterfield calling for his Chief Bugler. Walking up is Bugler Oliver Wilcox Norton. Norton asks the General what his next order is. The General explains that in prior days after the battle it was proper to file a cannon or volley with rifles to honor the fallen. The problem is , said the General. Should we fire the Confederates would think we are starting the battle over and they would open fire again. The General says he would like a bugle call to honor the dead. General Butterfield hands Norton an envelope with the sounds of the music he would like Norton to transpose into notes. Norton does this and picks up his field trumpet and starts to sound out the 24 notes....

Gentlemen, First let me commend all of the members of Bugles Across America for the outstanding work that you do to honor our nation's veterans of all eras, and their families.   As I told Tom Day in our initial conversation a year ago, when my uncle, who served with distinction as a decorated WWII paratrooper was laid to rest, the ceremony ended with a performance of Taps --- on a CD player.  It was such a disappointment to his widow, and to those of us in the assembled crowd who knew how much Uncle Don took pride in his having "had the opportunity to serve my country..." This is why I am personally so inspired by your participation in National Spirit of '45 Day, and why I want to do everything I can to assure that each of you, and all of the buglers who step up to perform Taps on the second Sunday of every August, get the support and recognition from the communities that you serve. We are only asking buglers to play on a single afternoon/evening each year, and possibly again on December 7th of this...

Ed Bilger, Spirit of ‘45 BAA Rep, has 28 buglers signed up and we would like 22 more to represent the 50 states. Those interested please contact Ed at 215-735-1606 or email at epilger56@yahoo.com

Memorial Day 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Spirit of ’45 Honors the Gold Stars of World War II

Wreath Laying Ceremony at National World War II Memorial Monday, May 30 10:00 AM - Noon To help raise public awareness about Spirit of ’45 Day, our partners are organizing a special tribute in the nation’s capitol on Memorial Day to honor those who did not return home after World War II ended on August 14, 1945.

On Monday, May 30, youth will assemble for a special wreath laying ceremony at the National World War II Memorial the National Mall, carrying enlarged portrait photos of 400 of the more than 400,000 American service men who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war and who are represented by the wall of Gold Stars at the Memorial. 

The youth will place flowers in wreaths honoring each of the branches of service, the Merchant Marine and the Home Front, before taking their place at one of the state columns., where 50 buglers will conclude the ceremony with a playing of “Taps.”

...

On March 21st, 2011, Venita Collier, Lecturing Knight-Elect, presented to Paula Shaffer a new Getzen Silver Bugle from the Lakewood Elks 1777 in Lakewood, Colorado.

Paula has registered herself with Bugles Across America to represent Lakewood Elks.  BAA is noted throughout the United States and is also sponsored by National Elks. 

Donations were received from Elks’ members and guests at the November 7th, 2010, “Tribute to American Vets” program to buy a new bugle for a bugler, to sign up with BAA and volunteer to play Taps at Veterans’ funerals.

Lakewood Elks are proud that we have joined in the great work of Bugles Across America in donating a bugle to a bugler to play Taps at Veterans’ funerals.  We know that Paula Shaffer will do an excellent job.  She even played Taps for us at our meeting the night she was given the bugle.



Thank you for all you do, Venita Collier Lakewood Elks Member

Dear Bugles, We are contacting you because you, Bugles Across America Nfp is listed as the legal correspondent of the BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA.ORG trademark filed on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 for the owner Bugles Across America Nfp. The good news is that the BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA.ORG trademark is currently live and appears to be in good standing with the United States Trademark Office. The current status is REGISTERED.The BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA.ORG trademark became officially registered with the United States Trademark office on Tuesday, June 26, 2007. You can see a detailed history of your BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA.ORG trademark on Trademarkia at the link below. http://www.trademarkia.com/bugles-across-americaorg-78972885.html ********************************** Need a to make a trademark official?  Read below! Trademarkia is a Silicon Valley company and is largest free search engine for U.S. trademarks. We also offer registered trademark owners a variety of tools to manage their trademark rights,...

Dear Tom... I am calling you Tom this year because, though we have never met, You have supported our son, Jesse, for two summers of marching drum corps  and we are beginning to feel like you are a part of our family! Though you have never seen him or spoken to him... it is amazing how generous you are to young people on their word alone... Jesse 'made' the  Cavaliers this year and was over the moon with joy. It has been his dream for so long. We are proud of him. He is a really neat young man. Next fall he will be Center on the Snare line for the Marching Illini. He participated in Gateway Indoor Percussion this winter and now spring. He is a Music Education Student at University of Illinois and cannot wait to teach! He tutors one High School Student for snare drum at the college. He is carrying a 17 credit schedule for his Education Degree as a second semester Sophomore. He keeps track of his Green Thunder Percussion Buddies and their great successes this year. He has so many friends and acquaintances...

We asked our IT folks to set up a system of automatic notice to alert State Directors of any new registration within their state.  This is very handy and does away with the requirement to make daily check of one’s Non-bugler List to see if there have been any new additions.  This alert system has been operating efficiently for several weeks now.

   In order to accomplish notification to the right people, we needed to identify who was watching which state(s).  There were good reasons for not just taking the list of State Directors that has been published and sending out the notices in accordance with that list.  First of all, some states still do not have an active State Director, and this has required a few people to monitor and manage more than one state.  On the other hand, some states have designated one or two individuals as responsible for managing the roster; these are the folks then that need to be alerted to a new registration.  Okay, then, we tell the system who is watching a particular state by...

Please check out what Florida State Director, John Murphy is doing to help keep interest going in helping our Veterans!
Tom Day - Founder

American Legion Post 259 Day on Saturday, April 16^th, 2011 from 10 am to 5 pm.  All are welcome!

This is just one example of ROTC units and the use of BAA medals to reward outstanding service.
We also support Schools in Asheville, NC. Chicago, Il, Rockford, Il, Evanston, Il and Central Fla.
Tom Day Founder

Alabama State Director, Gene Ramsay, discusses the discovery of a fascinating and dedicated bugler from days past:

At the Trumpet Festival of the Southeast, I ran into some great musicians and some people with some great stories about Taps, and/or loved ones who had military honors, etc.

One person I ran into was the Brass Product Specialist of Buffet Brass, Tim Ornato.  As we talked about BAA, his mind went straight to his dad, Michael Ornato.  Attached are two photos he sent my way of his dad in uniform and as a bugler.  He also sent me a little back-story of the unique position his dad was asked to be a part of at the Tomb of the Unknowns. 

 “It was nice speaking to you today.  My father was selected and attached to the honor guard during the years 1953-1955, which was his duty during the Korean War.  I don't actually know if there are other surviving buglers that were also attached to the guard like he was, so I am told his post was unique.  I do know that the duty went to the regular...

I just want to thank you all at BAA.  My father would be proud.  Frank Cabral played for my father and did a fabulous job.  I just wish I could have thanked him in person.  All at the service were very pleased with the military honors and I cannot say enough about Mr. Cabral.  Thank you all again very much.  You have been a bright light in a very dark time for my family.
Irene Potter

Attention All State and Area Directors.  The attached story tells you that many parts of the Army do want to work with BAA. I would like you all to look this over for a possible National BAA convention in 2013 site. Our last convention was at least Five years ago and we had almost 70 people attend. Please research this site and see if you feel it would the place for our next get together. If you are involved with any of the units mentioned please let them know as well. Sincerely Tom Day Founder Subject: U.S. ARMY CADET CORPS Mr. Day: It was a pleasure to chat with you regarding the U.S. Army Cadet Corps (USAC).  I'm especially impressed with your efforts and success relative to Bugles Across America.   As discussed, USAC is a community-based, Army-centric, Cadet program similar to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) and Young Marines (YM).    We're doing well and growing monthly.  As you know, we purchased the campus of the former Millersburg Military Institute, in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in September 2008.  ...

I am so glad to see someone making the effort to give soldiers what they deserve.  I am a music teacher and when my grandfather passed away in 2008, I was so disappointed to find that the "buglers" provided for his military funeral weren't really playing.  I am so pleased to see that someone is trying to change that and is making real buglers/trumpeters available to as many funerals as possible.  Thank you so much and keep up the good work.  I hope to help in fulfilling your mission soon!
Ann Anderson

The electronic age has arrived for Drum Corps World newspaper!  After 39 years as a print publication, the Madison, WI-based newspaper will begin a new era on May 2. The decision was not an easy one according to Publisher Steve Vickers.  “I’ve looked into transitioning over the years, but it wasn’t viable until recently.  It has become increasingly difficult recently, given postage, printing and related costs continuing to escalate. “We’ll release our brand-new, on-line magazine in six weeks and it will have all the same features we’ve offered in the past, plus much more.  And no longer will we be charging for a subscription,” Vickers explained.  Readers can have it delivered through their computer, phone or tablet. The final printed edition, mailed to subscribers on March 17, details the process Vickers went through to make the change.  Revenue from current subscribers has made this possible, along with encouraging support from advertisers. Through an agreement with High Velocity Media, monthly issues...

To all the Illinois members of Bugles Across America, 

My name is William Terenzi and I am a WWII re-enactor with the non-for-profit VII Corp reenactment group.  I joined the reenactment group in 1994 to help educate the public, especially the younger generation, about the men and people of "The Great Generation", like my father who suffered the Depression at a young age and served our country in it's hour of need.

Each member is either a hobbyist or a collector and our goal is to preserve WWII history and remember those who gave their lives to help enrich ours.  Each member does this at their own expense with esprit. Last year I attended our Rockford, Illinois event at Midway Village Museum. While at the event, I was talking to one of the British Units about how their bagpiper looked real and authentic. During the conversation it was mentioned how American re-enactors don't want or won't form a Drum and Bugle Corp.

Reenacting has a place for music in our events, that why I am coming to...

I would like to thank so many for helping with the 4 Chaplains and killed in action Memorial on 12 Feb 2011 at Post 259 This year we had Father John Washington from the 4  Chaplains of WWII relatives there. We honored 8 killed in action local military of today.  5 Army 2 Marines and 1 Navy. We had about 140 people there a very big cross section of groups. VFW 2093, American Legion Post 259, 127, 255 and District 17, VFW 8093, Mayor of Debary, Area III US Army National Guard Military Honors Team Orlando, Father John Washington's Catholic Veterans Post, Korean War Veterans, Bugles Across America and the Coalition Salute to American Heroes,  6 Families of the KIA's, and the ladies Auxiliary post 259 who helped make this possible.  I have heard so much good from our service and wish to thank all. I would also  like to thank Pete and sherry Wingard helping me out to give out awards to Deltona and University High School bands From Bugles Across America and Post 259. Some important dates to remember, April...

Since it's always nice to hear some kind words spoken about someone's actions, here's an email that came from a requester who was very happy with the bugler, John Risse, who played for this funeral.

"The live taps went well. Everyone commented on how beautiful the live taps were compared to the recorded version. I offered the bugler some money he refused. I will be sending you a check to help with your organization. Thanks again for the respect of our Dad.
Sincerely,
Tullie Hollis"

One of our newest members sent this article to us from over a year ago. It mentions BAA, Tom Day and Gerald Pallesen.

"First, I have received my package today. I am thankful for that. It include many items. The medals will look great on my Honor Guard uniform. Secondly,  I am attaching an article, given to me by our commander at VFW Blue Hen Post 6483 Milford DE, about digital bugles. Our post paid for the uniforms so my contribution was to purchase this bugle.
Thank you for your dedication, and service.
Keith Bauer"

USA Today's Article

Day 2 of the Trumpet Festival started about 9AM with people filing in to get to the exhibits and vendors (and the BAA table).  The discussion we had with people just seemed to get better and better with each passing person.  It mattered little whether the person passing by was the Principal Trumpet player from the Cleveland Symphony, the head trumpet instructor for the University of Alabama, or the Veteran who had no idea who we were or what we did.  All of it was to promote and gain awareness for BAA and to encourage more volunteers through the Southeast and even across the country (yes, the Principal for the Cleveland Symphony that he would indeed join our ranks). Our table got some help on day two.  David Beier and myself have essentially run the table for two years.  This year we were joined by James.  James is a trumpeter in the Fort Rucker-based Army Band.  His combination of military and music expertise was a nice addition to our group.  It was not long after he joined our table that Bob Wright from the Georgia group of BAA stopped by to shake hands and talk BAA.  It was great to meet some of the other members from around the Southeast....

Hello all,

Tom gave me the heads up on the "cheater mouthpiece." I have found a device that will help buglers strengthen the support muscles of their embouchure. Exercise #1 will help build power and stamina. Exercise #2 will strengthen the muscle groups needed to increase range.

The name of the device is P.E.T.E. and it stands for Personal Embouchure Training Exerciser. This device really works. The company that manufactures them is Warburton Music Products, telephone # 1-800-638-1950, and their website www.warburton-usa.com  The person to speak with is Ann. She helped me a great deal.

- Tom Dwyer

Additional Note from Tom Day:

Along with P.E.T.E. there are other products that can help build up a persons playing program.

IE: One of our own members of BAA invented Facial-Flex Ultra. This helps build more strength in the face. Inventor Patrick Hession from lower Michigan. Patrick can also be seen and heard at the Dave Monette...

This is a copy or the Roll Call message I send out to my entire roster at least twice each year.  This letter below is often embellished with some item of current news as appropriate. I've already sent a message to all about the great new site that we are presently enjoying and asking all to check it out, but as I send out the first Roll Call of this year (probably late March), I will again encourage folks to get active on checking in to the BAA site on a regular basis.     Sending out this Roll Call message does create quite a flurry of work for a while.  The first thing that I must deal with are the e-mails that might be returned as undeliverable.  I have to determine WHY it didn't go through and then do a telephone follow-up if it's not something obvious that I can attempt to correct.  I track and record the replies.  Any that indicate they no longer wish to take part are deleted after I send them a "Thank You for original intent to serve".  If anyone does give me change of contact information, I see that...

****** Your name has just appeared on the role of newly registered users at the Bugles Across America site.  I thank you for your interest in our organization and welcome you to the roles.  There are a few things that I would like to find out so that I can appropriately assign your status within BAA.     Are you a horn player and if so, for how long?     Have you any experience in sounding Taps for funeral honors or memorials?     What would be your normal availability to volunteer for bugler duties?  In other words; weekdays or only weekends.     How far are you willing to travel to serve as a volunteer bugler?     What would be the best time for me to reach you by telephone so that we could get to know each other?  Note that I or an Assistant State Director will ask you to sound Taps for us during a phone call.  This is NOT intended as any kind of audition.  It is done only to assure that you have no problems rendering a version of Taps that would provide reasonable tribute to the veteran....

I had a Bugler accept a request his name is***** *******.  I had some information that needed to provide to him about a location change which is about 6 miles difference.  I tried calling the phone number in the contact information provided in the email, however it was his old work number and then sent an email to the email address though I received no response,  I'm not sure if he received the updated information on the location or is still going to show. 
Any help would be appreciated,
Thank you,
Gary Stoker

Well, AD David Beier and I arrived at the University of Alabama today about 1PM.  We got our same table as last year and got set up.  The attached photo shows our main display board with photos, info, and talking points. Anyway, as the day progressed we saw familiar faces and made some new friends who wanted to know about BAA and what we did, etc.  I would like to relay a few stories now: 1 - A guest artist they have at the Festival, Michael Sachs, spoke with us about being honored on a number of occasions in having been asked directly to provide Taps in some pretty high profile funerals.  It was a pleasure to talk with him and I hope he will soon become a member of BAA in his state of Illinois.  You can find his website here: http://www.michaelsachs.com/ 2 - A young lady, Brittany, joined the Alabama ranks last year.  While her doctorate pursuit keeps her from being able to do too many funerals, she did agree to play Taps last year for the Spirit of '45 Day on the designated hour.  In fact, she told...

I had the honor of receiving a veteran's award last evening sponsored by 55KRC radio and The Thank You Foundation. 

6 veteran's of 94 submitted by friends, family and military were selected for a dinner and award ceremony for service to country and service after the military. The older (not me) gentleman flew on Dolittle's Raid of Tokyo, and bailed out over China. He's 93 and sharp as a tack. One veteran was part of Black Hawk Down in Somalia.

My story was submitted by one of our Honor Guard members and told of my Vietnam service and funeral honors duty.

While the Color Guard presented the colors, I played America the Beautiful on the fluglehorn.
It was a neat night but in my mind I accepted the award on behalf of all deserving veterans with better stories than mine.

Here are pics of the event at Tony's restaurant in Cincinnati.
http://www.55krc.com/cc-common/gallery/

Hello all. I have a couple things to cover here: 1 - Welcome to our newest volunteers that came through the home website:  Jeremy Rousseau, Larry Coleman, and Sid Gaddy.  We are honored to have you in our group. Now, to the three of you I will ask that you email me some credential information so I may add you as an active bugler or keep you as a non-bugler.  Once I receive those credentials, I will contact you via phone or get together with you in person to have you play Taps for me.  Again, welcome to you. I will also add that we have a yahoo group you may join.  I emailed each of you at the email address you provided to join.  I look forward to seeing you there. 2 - The Trumpet Festival of the Southeast starts tomorrow!  The website with info is here:  http://www.ericyates.com/festival.html  Bugles Across America will have a recruiting/info table set up.  I have had a few of you respond and ask about it.  If you come to assist for a few hours at the table, you are not required to pay for the festival. ...

On February 9, we laid our dad to rest.  He was a US Army veteran of WWII.  I had noted your website years ago, and gave it to the funeral director.  He made the request, and was contacted by volunteer Loren Stoneberg.  I cannot fully express my appreciation for Loren, and your organization.  We were so proud of Dad, and thankful for this resource to honor him. 

Thank you,
Phyllis Boelts

Over the past 10 years the items in the photo have been designed and produced to promote BAA. They can be available to State and Area Directors for use in their areas or members with a good idea how they can advance the BAA program. Presently the Taps 150 medal and Patch are only available at www.Taps150.org  . Presently about 20 High Schools and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois use the medals, as well as, The Civil Air Patrol in Illinois /Iowa, and Boy Scouts in various areas. In many places they have been awarded to towns folk who go that extra mile for Veterans. We also have the BAA flag the Gold Star Mothers flag and the Taps 150 flag all 3 by 5 with gromets. There is a space on the ribbon bar for one more medal called the Freedoms Foundation  Gen. George Washington Medal and ribbon, this was awarded to BAA this January of 2011. Some of the gear as shown like the Bugler pin and patch are from the American Legion catalog. and much more is available at www.paradestore.com

Hello to all families and participants,
    I would like to add my thanks to all who helped and to the families of the Chaplains and the Killed in action military.  It is a necessary thing that we remember them.  I have gotten many emails already like this thanking all of us for the service.  Please remember these families in our prayers. I will be doing the service again next February any ideas that could make the service better please send them to me.  To the families please if you can come next year we need to keep this going.  Anyone who has other Killed in action military they know please have them contact me.  I need a bio and a picture.  Thanks to Tom Day and Donny Daughenbaugh for their help on this.
Take care
Soldiers never die unless they are forgotten
WE DON"T FORGET
John Murphy
2550 Eustace Ave
Deltona, Fl 32725
386-789-0400
jremy@cfl.rr.com

Good Afternoon Buglers, It’s been two years since any price increase but as of March 1st, 2011, our prices will change.  The pricing on the fieldtrumpet.com order form should be updated soon. 

Thank you for all you do! Regards, Mary Rima Getzen Co.

2011 Pricing for BAA Members' Order Form On FieldTrumpet.com:

M2003                        $351.00

M2003S                      $426.00

M2003E                      $547.50

M2003ES                    $622.50

AC-G-M2003             $50.00

AC-G-M2003S           $55.00

...

Mr. Day:

On behalf of my husband, Jack, and I - we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being such a good person.  You sponsored Erick Eckstrom, who just made the Cavaliers.  I want to tell you that Erick has been working towards this since he was 15.  He has been dreaming about one day becoming a Cavalier, and his dreams are coming true.  He is studying Music Education at the University of Illinois, and is a future teacher.

If you did not help him, he would not be able to do this.  I know you appreciate what this means to the young boys, because Erick said you were a Cavalier also.  You know what a great learning experience it was for you!  I am very excited for Erick because he has such a passion for music.

Again, we very much appreciate your generosity and kindness.  You are a wonderful person.  We wish you continued success in 2011!

Sincerely,

Diana and Jack Eckstrom

Dear fellow BAA members;

I have a favor to ask and it concerns my Daughter Julie. Julie was born with Cerebral Palsy and Autism.  Julie got along great until about 28 and 1/2. But let me go back and tell you about her.

When Julie was little she always came to drill practice with me when I was teaching a group of 15 Vietnam Vets who volunteered to march in Chicago's biggest parade, The Vietnam Welcome Home parade. We practiced for 18 months and on June 13th, 1986 lead the parade and went on the put a competition drill together and won first place at the Illinois State Fair. We even made the front page of the Tribune and were asked to open the Cub's game on Flag Day.

Julie marched in many local parades and even earned her Gold Girl Scout award given by the Elks National Office in Chicago. Her Gold project was doing Military Funerals with her Dad. She has done 65 funerals. Julie's job was to award the family with our Remembrance medal on a plaque.

Julie did not walk until about two and...

First, when the time comes, may I suggest the following:

1. Search now for a form DD214 in the military person’s service file.

2. Look for discharge papers.

3. Can't find? Take his/her social sec. # and go to the Veterans Admin web site and under burial you may find a place where they will send duplicate papers that you can use at burial time.

4. Take these papers to the funeral home and demand a Military Funeral.....Yes Demand.

5. As of Jan 1, 2000, All Veterans who were discharged with honor can get at least 2 uniformed people to fold and present the flag.

6. The funeral home will complete a form 2008 and take it to the post office and they will provide the flag.

7. Go to our web site www.buglesacrossamerica.org and at the top it says Request a Bugler. Complete the form and send. The request will go out to all players of real horns using real breath, and playing from the Heart. The first to get the request and can do...

Good morning! I am pleased to discuss our new relationship that is under development with Bugles Across America. We have recently been in contact with a member of the organization that was requesting to participate in Connecticut Military Funeral Honors. We obliged him with a high profile modified full military honors ceremony we held for a deceased active duty captain. The representative from Bugles Across America arrived on time at the prescribed cemetery and was professionally dressed for the occasion. The obvious and most notable attribute this individual brought to our ceremony was playing the live bugle.

Due to budget constraints that we here in Connecticut have to deal with, We are obliged to use Bugles Across America. In addition to being more Fiscally responsible, using the live bugles from this organization give an added benefit to the families of deceased veterans due to the fact that we often must use ceremonial buglers instead of live buglers for the majority of funerals we cover. 

...

KnightFire Drum & Bugle Corps, one of the Drum Lines BAA helps to support, is holding a fundraiser and selling raffle tickets.  Tickets are $50 each and only 500 tickets will be sold.

Drawing to be held at “Arts in the Park” Lincoln Park Danville, Illinois
Sunday, June 26th at 5:00pm
For More Information Check out our website at
www.knightfiredrumcorps.org Or Call (217) 474-3690

Click for flyer
raffleflyer1a.doc

Tom Day of BAA was just informed he was voted into the Buglers Hall of Fame. Induction April 16th in Bridgeport, Conn. Tom joins another BAA member Jari Villanueva, Baltimore, Md. and Frank Dorritie, out in the San Francisco, Bay area.

March 7, 2011 marks the start of Tom's 64th year of music and marching.  Tom has done assignments playing for all Branches of the Military and has marched with Norwood Park Drum Corps both B corps and A corps the Chicago Cavaliers and Alumni Corps.

Sponsor of the Classic Cavaliers, Co founder of the Anaheim Kingsmen and marched with the Kingsmen Alumni Corps in the Rose bowl, Co. Founder of the Chicago Connection Sr. Drum Corps & the last Drum Major for the Skokie Indians Sr. Drum Corps.

Presently Tom is judge for the Chicago public Schools JROTC music contests and has sounded Taps for over 5,000 Military Funerals since 1950, 82 in 2010 and yesterday met with four other Cavaliers in uniform to sound Taps for Cavalier and Air Force Veteran George Oconner in Lake...

Hello buglers.  It's that time of year again and we, Bugles Across America in Alabama, have been asked to set up a table again this year to talk about what we do. We used this time last year to get some good face time with trumpet players from all over the Southeast and to recruit.  It was also a good time to talk to vendors like Bach, Warburton, Pickett Brass...just to name a few.  So apparently we left a good impressions as Dr. Yates (trumpet instructor at Alabama) asked us back. It's a great weekend of trumpeting and I really enjoyed it. The info is here:   http://www.ericyates.com/festival.html   If you wish to help out this year, please let me know ASAP so I can put you on the list.  Bring your horn for display, photos of you providing Taps, or just come to pass out brochures to the many that will pass by and talk about why these folks need to volunteer in whatever state they reside.   I know for sure that myself and David Beier will be there.  Who can join us?  Look at the schedule and see when...

Hello all,

I’ve heard some grumbling from a couple State Directors questioning the wisdom of changing the 50 mile radius for bugler requests to 100 miles.  They’ve said that it’s pointless because no one wants to drive that far…. That if it’s not in their back yard, their buglers wouldn’t want to go.  That they’ve had buglers complain that they are getting requests that are too far away and they want to be removed from our list.  Wow… Well, to that I’d say if you ever encounter that… explain to them that it was changed from 50 to 100 mile radius in the system to better accommodate the states with far more rural areas and at some point there will be a request closer to them.  If they still take issue with it, I’ve been told to go ahead and delete them from the system.  If they really can’t handle simply clicking Delete and moving on with their lives and instead taking the time to complain about it… we really don’t need that kind of negativity. 

I’ve responded to a few bugler’s questioning why they...

Hi all, I have just started playing with BAA. I have played 2 Missions in the past 10 days. I am so happy to be a part of BAA, as I know that even just 1 mission will be a benefit to these families. I have already expressed to Jon Worley (CT's SD), I can already see how my heart wants to do more.   As with us all, we have other important parts of our lives that need attention too. I may be able to play many more missions in the next month, or none at all. I have to reconcile with myself that I can do what I can do. I hope that all those who have volunteered feel the same- do what you are able to do, and don't feel anxiety if you cannot contribute when you have other important items going on in your life as well. It's OK.   If we have 50 or so buglers in CT right now, I'd like to see 100 or more! Luckily we have a responsive CTANG, and they certainly will give us more than we can handle, but they also know that we will do what we can, and otherwise they will make do.   So, I guess my message is for those...

Good news!  We’ve had a wonderful response in volunteers for the Four Chaplains Killed in Action Memorial.

* Doug Hester, the USMC 1sg here in Orlando will be bringing as many USMC as I need and wants to know if his troops can come.

* 10 US Army SFC Jones crews volunteered to come to do military honors.

* They are all Reserve and Guard and volunteering to come without pay.

* I'm getting a Navy 1st class too from SFC Jones.

* A retired Navy captain

* 2 Retired Army chaplains will be there too for the 4 Chaplains. 

Sometimes it just seems right.
Thanks for all you do,
John Murphy

Hi Tom,

A special thanks to Jim Ruttenberg who patiently waited in the bitter cold in Valhalla, NY.

Mom served 10yrs USN Chief in Pearl then the Pentagon, (married my dad on D-Day anniversary, also USN), they were a lot of fun. Mom always wanted an American flag since I can remember and to have Jim play "TAPS" gave me, my brother & sisters peace (I know she was smiling). God Bless You, all the volunteers & God Bless America. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Buglers Across America.

Stay warm.

Patty Thompson

Highland Lakes, NJ

The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation advocates for and honors those whose deeds symbolize the legacy of the Four Chaplains aboard the U.S.A.T Dorchester in 1943: selfless service to humanity without regard to race, creed, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.

The Four Chaplains will be having their Killed In Action Memorial on February 12th, 2011 at 6:00 pm and you are invited to attend!

It will be held at the American Legion Post #259. The address is 470 Summerhaven Dr., DeBary, FL. 32713

We have added eight more killed in action soldiers and sailors and will perform the 4 Chaplains service. They and their families are to be honored at this event.  I feel what great company these Chaplains are to these troops who are the most recent heroes, as they watch over them. 



Honored solders added this year are: SGT Angelo Vaccaro – Army SGT Nicholas Rogers – Army SGT Quinn Adams – Army SSG James Miller – Army SGT Kenneth Conde Jr – USMC LCPL Antoine Smith – USMC SSG Anthony...

All addressed - 

Thanks to all who were able to attend the 2nd annual DFW area meeting of Bugles Across America!  

For those of you in the area and have an interest in fire apparatus both old and new, I strongly recommend you check out www.Texasfiremuseum.org and arrange a tour. They have over 50 apparatus on display and it is neat to see the how modern day fire fighting has come of age.

Since the meeting went longer than expected, I missed the opportunity to thank all of YOU, the bugler, the person who goes out and volunteers his time to play Taps at Veterans funerals.

Like most of you probably do, when I play Taps for a service, I do not linger afterwards and make a point to meet the family. My personal preference is to walk off with the Military and then go onto the next service. Sometimes we are not always thanked from the family, but believe me they really do appreciate live Taps, judging by the cards and letters and emails I have...

We know many of you volunteer so much of your valuable time towards covering events for Bugles Across America, but we received some stats on one bugler in particular that we wanted to share. 

In 2010 alone, Gerry Schuck from Virginia has covered an impressive 89 funerals/events/memorial services and driving a total of 3,700 miles for Bugles Across America.

Thank you Gerry for your selfless dedication.

Tom, good morning.  You are an amazing man.  We got plenty of snow yesterday. 18 inches!  My back was killin’ me!

The UPS driver pulls up with a box and says, “I have a box for Bob.”  Tom, I was like Ralph from A Christmas Story when he opened and received his BB gun.  I was in shock.  That was one of the nicest things that anyone has ever done for me. God bless you.  It’s beautiful.  I will cherish this horn and honor you, your men and all the great veterans of this country.

Tom, I am so driven and compassionate about our freedoms and they are not free.  My grandfather’s brother was killed in WWI in France and was 18 years old.  I think of him, I think of all the men who sacrificed for each one of us and that is why I believe, like you, that every day is Memorial Day.  To honor those men at the ceremony in every season and in all weather conditions, they deserve it. 

The DVD was also wonderful. You are a true American patriot and although I have never been in the service, I would have made...

WARNING TO ALL VETERANS!!! PLEASE READ THIS!!! - Monday, January 24, 2011  

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way

 

[Websites with the name "vaservices" immediately after the "www" ARE NOT part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Government agency. D o not go to them or if approached or called, do not offer them any information concerning yourself or data on other veterans.

Keep in mind that the real VA website ends in .gov. Also, be aware that the Department...

Why do we volunteer?: A Message from Utah’s State Director, Brent Christensen.

January 24th, 2011

I had coffee this morning with another Marine.  I out posted from M.C.R.D. in 1962 and my coffee buddy out posted in 1973.  

Another Marine (Chosin) entered the shop and the conversation inadvertently got around to my volunteering to play TAPS at military funerals.  All of us understood my duty and there it stayed.  

There was no talk of a uniform to purchase, a bugle or even traveling to distant communities to play just twenty-four notes . . . then after offering condolences, retuning home.

At home, as I got out of my car, my next-door neighbor, also a Marine (Chosin), asked me if I had heard anything yet?  I didn’t know what he was talking about.  Apparently, my neighbor Jim has written a letter to Major General Ronald L. Bailey (Commanding General/ MCRD/Western Recruiting Region) with a favor to ask.  

Jim served as the Executive Officer of the California Legislative Marines...

Texas Prepares For It’s 2nd Annual BAA Meeting For Texas Buglers With Excited Enthusiasm!

Steve Kalowski, The State Director for Texas, has been busy with planning and preparing for the Second Annual Texas BAA meeting on Saturday, January 29th, 2011.

He has prepared 6 shadow boxes and put all 4 medals in each one, with the bugler hall of fame patch in the middle. He will present these to the 6 players who go way above and beyond. These will be the first 6 in the hall of fame in Texas.    

He has 2 awards going to 2 different players for outstanding achievement, and those buglers will be put into the hall of fame as well.

Steve will give an award for last minute notice Ex: Accepting and calling the requestor 45 minutes before the service was to start and successfully fulfilling the request.  This bugler will be given a gas card.

He will have a ticket drawing for a gas card (maybe 2) and plastic mouthpiece (s) 

Challenge coins will be given to select buglers as well.

...

Hello members!

We just wanted to let you know of something that’s going on that is pretty neat.

Tom Day donated a bugle to Russia High School’s Bugle Society to help students learn to play Taps.  The music director there has just started the bugle program with this attached announcement.  They hope to award bugles to their best buglers on Veterans Day and have them sign up with Buglers Across America.  

Russia High School Bugle Society:

Lessons on the Bugle will start after HS solo and ensemble.  After students learn the calls on their trumpet/cornet, they will have a chance to try-out the Bugle.  Three students will be selected to take on this honor after try-outs.  Students will then be on a list to call for funerals and other military events.  The Bugle will be kept here at school.  A separate mouthpiece will be given to each student who is chosen. Please keep in mind that this may also require assistance during Memorial Day and other military/American holidays.  You will be asked...

Starting in the month of February BAA had several states and players do programs around the event in history called "The Four Chaplains". Our member Mr. Ken Wales who co authored a book called "Sea of Glory". This was based on a true story about the ship USAT Dorchester that was sunk in the Atlantic Feb. 3, 1943. Hundreds of men were saved by four chaplains who gave their lives so others could live.  More at www.fourchaplains.org   . In May BAA lead the Chicago Memorial Day Parade for the 12 th year down State St. BAA also designed a special pin and a full 3 by 5 ft Flag for the Gold Star Mothers. In June BAA does a Flag Day program  nationwide on the 14th and this also celebrates the Birthday of the United States Army. In July on the 4th   we help celebrate the birth of our country by providing  horn players all across America. During the school semester we supply Medals and awards to JROTC Cadets in several states. In August over 550 horn player joined in the Spirit of 45 a new program to remember...

You are invited and urged to attend the Second Annual North Texas meeting of  Bugles Across America at 10:00AM to Noon on Saturday, January 29, 2011. This event is being held for BAA  members and prospective members.  Location is:

Texas Fire Museum 2600 Chalk Hill Road Dallas, Tx 75212   We are fortunate this year to have this facility available to us and tours of the museum will be offered to attendees following the meeting. You may preview the museum at:

www.texasfiremuseum.org   This is will be an informational meeting and an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow buglers and BAA State Director, learn more about BAA and bugling.  There will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion.  We will display the Getzen Heritage Elite Field Trumpet (the one endorsed by BAA founder Tom Day and found on the BAA homepage).  There will be discussion of correct Taps playing, uniforms, and protocol.  We will show a short DVD presentation and discuss media communication.

...

Now that you are a member, you need to check your computer often for Bugler requests. Should you get a request ,you first check your schedule to be sure YOU can do the mission. then you hit accept mission. What happens then is that all others who got the request are informed the mission is taken. If you take a mission and then can't do it You as the acceptor have messed up the operation and the Family or Military is left holding the bag. Now, if your in an area where you are not known as a player I always suggest that you get a sheet of stationary and put a picture of you with horn on it and a brief story about how you are a member of the nationwide organization called BAA and that you are a qualified Taps player LIVE Taps , no batteries required. You play Taps from the Heart so the Veterans Dignity is not Stolen with some kind of a recording device. Make copies, and hand deliver to Vet's posts, area guard and reserve units, cemeteries, old peoples homes, fire and police PR people, and of course Funeral Directors...

Hi Tom, Drum corps audition season is upon us again and it is allowing me time to reflect on this summer and all the things that happened. I am also spending lots of time reflecting on how I got there and I wanted to send you this as another thank you for the incredible opportunity of which you so generously helped me take advantage.

I marched with the 2010 Colts on the drumline and had the time of my life. I lost 50 pounds, I became a better musician, performer, and person, I met people that became brothers and sisters to me. I traveled the country and played a show I loved performing for thousands of people every night. And I absolutely owe it to you! I could not have done this without your support and I would not not be the person I am today without the experience. For that I am eternally grateful and I really cannot say thank you enough.

Tom, I wish you the happiest of holidays and again, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your generous donation to my cause!

Sincerely, 

...

Dear Tom, Those of us planning and presenting the Rededication of Oak Park’s Peace Triumphant Memorial (originally dedicated to local World War I vets) earlier this month were honored by your participation. Your presence as founder and leader of Bugles Across America wearing a World War I uniform added to the historic significance of the occasion. Thanks for your patience, humility and generosity extending over several months, and for your artistry and professionalism on our Rededication day. These virtues and talents of yours helped make this a quality event for the 700-800 people present. The echo taps you recommended and performed so beautifully focused and expressed the day’s meaning for all of us. This was another rewarding collaboration with you at this magnificent memorial in Scoville Park (the first being for the 100th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway, whose name is on the monument). It is an appealing prospect to work together with you again in the not-so-distant future. Gratefully, Redd...

John Murphy, BAA Florida State Director, has been very busy! Here are just some of the good works going on in the Sunshine State this season, some of which he could still use assistance on...

Today, I was moved to tears my friends. Literally. I had asked the folks there at B.A.A. if there was any way they could help me find another horn as mine had been destroyed in a move. I didn't think much of ever actually hearing back from anybody because I know how hard times are. However...As I was leaving my home to go pick my wife up from wor, a U.P.S. truck pulled up and asked me if my name was Tony Tincher. I of course said yes, and the man promptly handed me a box. I looked at the return address and saw Mr. Tom Day ond B.A.A. on it and my heart leaped as a huge frog began to creep into my throat I opened the box and Behold.. rite there, in front of me in a beautiful case was a gorgeous, Traditional Style Valveless Cavalry BUGLE!! Exactly like the one I have played at several events. All I can say is Ain't America GREAT? God Bless Bugles Across America, and God Bless America and her Hero's. Thank you so very much, now with a little practice, as I have been out a while I will be able to follow...

A message from Bugler, Founder , and President of BAA.... At the start of 2010 I had an offer from a friend to help raise funds for what we do. Sounded great. Problem was they needed to get more involved with the BAA web site. The other problem came up about March when Dave Krause our long time Web Master had to take some time for his business. So the result was we had people tell us "No Problem" they could do this better, oddly that was around April 1st. Not being an IT man I said please help. The man they got was Dan Petrek who did his best. Then we found IT Architechs in St. Louis. They were suggested by State Director and EAST National Director Howard Reitenbaugh, Pa. So, for the past month or so they have been converting BAA into a working unit again using the same format Dave Krause used. Dot-Net-Nuke. All this cost me a few dollars but now well worth it. In the future when all Directors are tuned in as to how to operate the system we will be well ahead of where we were in January 2010 . During...