Petition to designate Taps as our National Song of Remembrance

958 Letters and Emails Sent So Far

Petition to designate Taps as our National Song of Remembrance

We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, willfully petition the United States Congressional membership to take action that allows for the designation of the bugle call "Taps" as our "National Song of Remembrance."

Much like "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever," which were born from the winds of war, "Taps" shares a similar history. Following the Seven Days Battle in July 1862, General Daniel Butterfield and bugler Oliver Norton created "Taps" as a way to signal the end of day.

It has now become the signature musical farewell for uniformed personnel who have faithfully served our nation during times of war and peace. Over its 150-year history, "Taps" has been woven into our nation's historical fabric and is revered by many as a national treasure. At each playing, deep emotions arise in those who listen to those twenty-four solemn notes; emotions of loss, pride, honor and respect.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that our Congress take action to elevate this simple bugle call to the same status as that shared by our National Anthem and National March. This distinction will ensure and signify that those for whom "Taps" is sounded receive the honor and respect of a nation they so proudly served.

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1 day ago    link
jeremy f. from Fort Polk, LA writes:
I as a son a chaplain have heard the cries of mothers that have lost their sons in war. My dad has had to inform a wife, a sister, a grandmother, and dad. That their only son died serving his country. Taps has been sounded on all Theaters after the Civil War. So please make Taps our national song of rememberence.
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January 27, 2012    link
Jon C. from Marathon, NY signed.
January 26, 2012    link
Allison C. from Hudson, NH signed.
January 26, 2012    link
Gail B. from Valley Springs, CA signed.
January 23, 2012    link
Sara M. from Walpole, MA signed.
January 22, 2012    link
Jayson N. from Mattapoisett, MA signed.
January 9, 2012    link
Vivianne W. from Alexandria, VA writes:
I am the surviving spouse of Lt COl Richard Wersel, Jr. USMC who served two tours in Iraq and died 4 Feb 2005 . He is burried in Arlington. I fully support this initiative as the National song of Remembrance. Thank you all for your efforts.
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January 4, 2012    link
Bertrand T. from San Bernardino, CA writes:
I fully support this measure as the last US Navy Bugler having served as Ship's Bugler USS New Jersey BB-62 in Vietnam. Good Luck on this fine effort!
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December 28, 2011    link
Richard C. from Greenbank, WA writes:
ALL military funerals should require a LIVE bugler (active duty or civilian) to perform Taps. Recordings are disrespectful to the brave men and women who served our country with honor, and should only be used as a last-ditch alternative to a live bugler.
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December 27, 2011    link
Catrina T. from Buckley, WA signed.
December 25, 2011    link
D.F. T. from Prescott Valley, AZ writes:
I am honored to be a member of an American Legion Honor Guard team for 12 years and I have participated in many hundreds of military funerals. I have seen the moving effect that “Taps” has on the families of those Veterans. The hymn provides a feeling of closure and comfort for all that are present. The playing of “Taps” is a dignified and proud tradition and deserves to be designated as our Country’s “National Song of Remembrance”.
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December 24, 2011    link
JAMES H. from Bracey, VA writes:
There is no more American piece of music than this...what an appropriate action to take! Taps may trancscend nationalities, but I doubt it, though it would be an honor to have Taps played at anyone's memorial or funeral.
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December 24, 2011    link
JAMES H. from Bracey, VA writes:
There is no more American piece of music than this...what an appropriate action to take! Taps may trancscend nationalities, but I doubt it, though it would be an honor to have Taps played at anyone's memorial or funeral.
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December 24, 2011    link
John M S. from Wyandotte, MI writes:
As a Former Marine Corps Bandmens. I have played Taps many times and at the age of 72, I still do play Taps when requested for Military Funerals. It's a great and proud tradition.
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December 24, 2011    link
John M S. from Wyandotte, MI signed.
December 23, 2011    link
Sara M. from Walpole, MA signed.
December 20, 2011    link
Ken E. from Baldwin, WI writes:
I have heard this song thousands of time I have played it hundreds of time but it still tears me up.
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December 2, 2011    link
Ralph W. from Cincinnati, OH writes:
I proudly do this in remembrance of my father, my uncle and ALL others who have served our country !
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December 1, 2011    link
Sara M. from Walpole, MA writes:
I hope that "Taps" will be designated as our National Song Rmembrance!
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November 11, 2011    link
Dennis R. from Windsor, CO signed.