Bugles Across America

There is no piece of music that elicits as much emotion as the 24 notes of “Taps,” the bugle call played at military funerals and ceremonies.

In 2000, Congress passed legislation saying that the funerals of veterans should have two members of the military present, one to fold the flag and one to play “Taps.” The problem has been that in too many places there aren’t enough buglers. Funeral directors turned to “Taps” played on CD in a mechanical device that’s inserted into a bugle. That’s not quite the same thing.

Bugles Across America was started in 2000 by Tom Day as a means of gathering buglers who would attend the funerals of veterans and play real “Taps.” Since he started, Day has signed up 4,000 buglers.

Sounds like a lot, but it’s not, considering the number of veterans who pass away each day. Even during this lockdown the BAA is receiving 20-30 requests for buglers every day. You can help. All you have to do is play “Taps.”

The steps: Check the website at buglesacrossamerica.org. If you already play, brush up. You’ll need to audition, in person, with your state’s director or another designated person from the organization. You can be male or female. You can play a bugle with none, one, two or three valves; a trumpet; a cornet or a flugelhorn. The instrument doesn’t matter, but your playing does. You must be very, very good with at least high school-level music playing experience.

For more information, email info@buglesacrossamerica.org or click the Contact Us link on the website. If you need a bugler, click Request A Bugle.

To get a feel for the BAA, go to the website and read the Bugler’s Post blogs. You’ll learn, among other things, that Tom Day is out there each evening at 7 p.m. to sound “Taps” in honor of all our fallen brothers and sisters.