Veterans nonprofit will honor fallen servicemembers during annual Memorial Day event, and all musicians are welcome to participate.
Registration is open for the 5th annual Taps Across America event, to be held nationwide on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time, including at the National World War I Memorial.
Sponsored by the nonprofit Taps for Veterans, Taps Across America is open to any instrumentation and musicians of any age or ability who can sound Taps. It originally began in 2015 by retired Air Force bugler and American Legion member Jari Villanueva – a member of Dewey Lowman Post 109 in Halethorpe, Md. – but took off nationally in 2020 when picnics, parades and other celebrations were canceled due to the pandemic. It provides volunteers who sound Taps for military funerals and ceremonies.
The response was overwhelming in 2020, with more than 10,000 musicians joining together for one unifying event in a nationwide salute to remember fallen servicemembers.
“Taps Across America is an all-inclusive patriotic event that unites the country together for a memorable and honorable day. It offers anyone who plays an instrument an opportunity to honor, reflect and remember our fallen servicemembers in the true spirit of Memorial Day,” said Taps for Veterans executive director Mark Paradis. “Past participants appreciate the chance to pay their respects and preserve the legacy of this important event for years to come.”
Fleet Farm has graciously partnered for the fourth year with Taps for Veterans to hold a special Memorial Day ceremony at each of their 49 local stores throughout the Midwest.
To register or for more information, visit www.tapsacrossamerica.org.
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