Wanted: 1,945 buglers to play at wreath laying ceremonies on National Spirit of ’45 Day 2012!

Buglers played “Amazing Grace” and “Taps” during Spirit of ’45 wreath laying service at the National World War II Memorial on Memorial Day 2011.

We are looking for 1,945 buglers to perform “Taps” at wreath laying ceremonies that are being planned as part of the National Spirit of ’45 Day observances that will be held at WWII memorials, national and local cemeteries and other venues next August.

Our goal is to repeat this effort every second Sunday in August so that it becomes a national tradition every year to remind all of America of the achievements of our Greatest Generation in hopes that that their example of courage, humility, self sacrifice, can do attitude, service to others and national unity will forever inspire future generations of Americans.

2012 is the 150th anniversary of “Taps” which will add further impetus to our efforts to recruit the nearly 2,000 buglers to achieve our goal.

We are grateful for the support of Bugles Across America for their help in getting the word out to its database of more than 7,000 buglers.

By participating in National Spirit of ’45 Day, BAA buglers are gaining additional visibility and recognition for their service in ways that further the BAA mission of assuring that no veteran of any era is buried without a live performance of Taps.

Ray Guiterrez, Associate State Director of Bugles Across America Texas, plays Taps i at a Spirit of ’45 Day ceremony held in San Antonio, TX.

This cross-country “Taps Across America” will be one of the most powerful and media-friendly ways to remind people everywhere of the importance of setting aside a time each year to remember and reflect on the achievements of the “ordinary heroes” who did so much for our country and the world, and to renew their spirit of service to community and national unity.

Buglers who take part in these annual end-of-the-Day ceremonies will receive special recognition, including certificates and patches and are authorized to represent Spirit of ’45 Day in their communities.

We are building a database of WWII related memorials, national and state military cemeteries and other suitable venues in their community where a wreath laying ceremony can be held that can be put in a master database so the rest of our Spirit of ’45 partners can participate. For a partial list of venues in your area, click here.

We are encouraging elected officials to take part in these ceremonies, which will include a reading of the Spirit of ’45 Day proclamation by youth. Members of the American WWII Orphans Network are helping to organize ceremonies in their communities so that they can have an opportunity to honor their father’s sacrifice.

We are pleased to be partnering with several groups who are helping to reach out to buglers and organizing Spirit of ’45 Day wreath laying ceremonies in cities and towns throughout the country this year, including Vitas Innovative Hospice and others.

We are especially inspired by the example of youth buglers who are beginning to join the effort. For example, Raven McKie, a student at the Sarasota Military Academy as our 2011 National Spirit of ’45 Youth Spokesperson. Raven organized her own Spirit of ’45 Day ceremony at the statue of the Times Square Kiss in Sarasota, FL last year, and came with her family toWashington, D.C. as one of the buglers who performed  “Taps” at this year’s Memorial Day wreath laying ceremonies at the National World War II Memorial.   Click to go to our page describing Memorial Day activities.

		Buglers assembled for Spirit of ’45 Day event held Veterans Park in McHenry, IL.

To sign up as a founding member of the national Spirit of ’45 team of buglers, go to Bugles Across America Volunteers or contact Ed Bilger at epilger56@yahoo.com.

Links

WWII Museum Memorial

National Cemetery Administration

National WWII Memorial, Washington, D.C.

National D-Day Memorial, Bedford, VA .