In
January 2000, Congress passed legislation guaranteeing Veterans
the right to at least two uniformed servicemen, a flag ceremony,
and the playing of TAPS at their funeral. Unfortunately, there
are not enough buglers to play TAPS, so the historic melody has
been played on a CD player at many Veterans' last ceremony.
Tom
Day decided that wasn't good enough for those who had sacrificed
so much for their country, so in November of 2000 he founded
Bugles Across America
(BAA),
with the goal of providing TAPS played by a live bugler at every
Veteran's funeral.
Tom Day started playing TAPS when he was in a drum and bugle
corps since the late 1940's. He was awarded numerous citations
and commendations. Tom Day's work with groups of all ages has been
recognized by all levels of government and other nations.
Bugles Across America now has over 7300 bugler volunteers
located in all 50 states and a growing number overseas.
On December 8, 2009 U.S. Congressman Lee Terry introduced H.Con.Res
219 on the floor of Congress, recognizing and commending Tom
Day's leadership and the thousands
of volunteers involved with Bugles Across America for their
commitment and sacrifice to ensure Veterans are laid to rest
with honor and ceremony they earned through selfless service to
the people of the United States in the Armed Forces.
The video below is an inspiring glimpse about this proud retired
Marine bugler's noble organization,
Bugles Across America
and all of the other true patriots who help
Tom Day to
make it so.
Fox News Report of Tom Day as...
Power Player of the Week (May 29, 2011)