OperationTaps

Okay then.. I figured someone would have said this by now: 1975 Muchachos -prelims - I heard their last tune from the parking lot but just missed them. Then they weren't in finals.

I just got some of the updates from a few of the corps who are participating in OperationTaps. I know that a few more will be reporting in soon. Since December 7, 2007, OperationTaps participating units have performed at military honors funeral services for 59 Veterans for whom the only other option was to use a recorded version of Taps. Also, a new page on the site: a Stories of Service page. I wanted to highlight some of the participating units and individuals who have given their time to help bring a perfect ending to the lives of those who deserve a perfect ending. I still have many more stories that I'll be adding and I'm always looking for more input - so feel free to contact me. Thank you to all who have offered to help or have made an effort in their respective communities. http://www.operationtaps.org "Taps should always be played by a fellow American." - Walt Allen

I could only get it in my personal photo... but I'll try to get it in here without having to get Nanci D involved. Check my member profile.

July 4th, 1991. While with the Empire Statesmen, we played the parade in Washington DC. It was just after the first Iraq War (Desert Storm), and it seemed like ALL the troops were home and in that parade. The reviewing stand included Quayle, Cheney, and Colin Powell. After the parade, we played at a Retirement Home for Disabled Vets. We're talkin' guys injured in the Big One. Our corps director, Vince Bruni told us, "These are guys who can't come to the parade, so we're bringin' the show to them." Back then, we had 2 hours of WWII era Big Band and Patriotic material. When we were done, one of the nurses came to Mr Bruni, and told him that her patient, who hadn't been out of his wheechair in 15 years, asked to be helped up so that he can "Give these kids a round of applause." After all those guys have done for us... they deserve OUR appreciation.

Fran - 1993 is still my favorite year. It had nothing to do with what place we came in, or anything related to the competitive part of drum corps. That year featured the trip to Brazil, and THAT show. That was the first full year with Mr. B's new toy: A Bingo Palace!

You guys are speaking of Earl Harrington, who was the man under the King Rex apparatus (approx 100 lbs) and also a member of the US Olympic Bobsled Team in 1994. He could also be seen on practically every Buffalo Bills Home Game Telecast in his front row Tunnel End Zone Seats wearing his Bills Construction Helmet with the Bruce Smith Action Figure glued on top. But I'm guessing the end of the 1993 New Orleans Medley was the biggest Standing O of his career.

I just thought of another Allen whose attendance is required... Brother Allen Murray!!!

I was always a big fan of the Dixie Land Quartet popping out of a Jack in the Box

FOUR Allens??? Wow! I know there used to be rule against THREE Allens at one place at the same time ... but this is new territory.

Thanks for the correction... I remember Reagan using it in the late 80's regarding immigration.

You are so right Bob. I just think of my father, he had three sons that he drove around to drum corps shows for years and he was very, very proud of us. If I just sit back while a veteran who may have served right along side my father gets Taps on a recorded device ... it would betray that pride. To quote Ronald Reagan: "If not now, when? If not us, who?" The tradition of a fellow American playing Taps on bugle goes back to the Civil War. I know there's a shortage of players, and it might be impossible to honor every vet, every day... but if we don't show the brass players coming up behind us that this is what we do, then what happens 30 or 40 years from now when these brave Americans who signed up after 9-11-01 reach their 60s and 70s?

Michael, Thanks for bringing this issue to the broader DCP audience, and for adding the drum corps journalism cache that comes with a Michael Boo column. I've been a volunteer for Bugles Across America for over a year because I've seen that the drum and bugle corps community seems to have forgotten about a very important service that we once provided on a regular basis. And also, as a drum corps guy from a drum corps family with a WWII vet for a father, it's just simply what we're SUPPOSED to do. Bugles Across America provides a great service. As I've said in other posts, Tom Day deserves a Congressional Medal of Honor. On Veterans Day 2007, I created OperationTaps.org to act as a supplement to Bugles Across America. The objective of OperationTaps is to encourage corps to proactively create a relationship with Veterans groups and funeral homes so that those organizations know who to call. The members of participating units of OperationTaps (primarily DCA, MCA, and Alumni corps) are encouraged to enroll with Bugles Across America as well as make contact with community organizations. Our actions are more "organization" to "organization," in our respective communities. But... Bugles Across America must survive as the hub for individual buglers.

I reject, denounce, repudiate, and disassociate myself from this issue, and any actions or comments that led to the aforementioned double secret probation.

Bravo. Long live the Troopers. Can't wait to own the DVD.

Thanks for the follow up Tom. Anyone doing a performance for MIAs should be sure to check the protocol for what material is appropriate.

I was thinking Otter, Rush Chairman

No, I was on the receiving end of Double Secret Probation... making me a Delta. "D#mn glad to meet ya."

Thanks. And thanks again for all the great work you are doing in your community.

Excellent Idea Tom!!! I have a few contacts at the Veterans Outreach Center here in Rochester - I'll try to get something together. But let me ask you, or anyone else who wants to jump in: I've had people ask if it's appropriate to play Taps at POW/MIA events... apparently some folks have mentioned that it implies that the MIA will never come home. What's your experience with that? Is there a rule? Anyone else who has info on that please jump in. ... PS I wish I had a buck for every time someone called me Tim ... I keep getting a credit card bill from Binsford Tools.

I posted last week about another corps that is participating in Operation Taps: The Manchester, NH Muchachos, who are also the parent corps of MCA participant, the Amoskeag Sound. They are sponsors of 100 nights of Rememberance: Starting on Memorial Day and extending to September 11, every night at 7pm a bugler will play Taps at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen NH. Since starting the OperationTaps web site on Veterans Day 2007, I've come in contact with some true patriots, but this is one of the most honorable endeavors I've heard of. Make sure you give these guys a big hand when you see them this season. Thanks guys.

According to all the newspapers this morning, the Hafner Poconos videos have been confiscated as part of the Spritzer investigation.

I'd love to see the 1992 prelims video when the flag ripped - we could do a Zapruder film analysis (like the JFK assassination) - forward, back, freeze frame, back in slow motion, slow motion forward, frame by frame, etc. And please Ray, check your videos first. We don't want to accidently see the video of your Valentine's weekend trip to Poconos (or DO we?)

Better yet, Boots, we hope you are planning on being there. You are one of the most important Statesmen in history. Of course, Bob Toobs is on the list right there with you.

Do you have members over the age of 21 who are being disenfranchised?