The press release of the day, filling your desire for the perhaps ridiculous nature of PR. I am going to sit in the State Capitol over July 4th and beyond and this is what we’re focusing on…
House approves Lentz resolution urging schools to teach Taps
HARRISBURG, July 3 – The House of Representatives adopted a resolution (H.R. 803) Tuesday introduced by state Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-Delaware, urging the state secretary of Education to direct Pennsylvania school districts to provide training in the playing of Taps.
“Taps is the most recognized military bugle call played at funerals and memorial services for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” Lentz said. “Unfortunately there is a shortage of individuals to play Taps at local veterans and memorial events. Some Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion organizations are forced to rely on recorded versions of Taps because they are unable to find individuals to play the call on the trumpet or bugle.
“At a time when our country is engaged in a long-standing war, we should be encouraging schools to instill patriotism in students and give them the ability to pay homage to fallen soldiers and veterans.”
Lentz explained that Taps was adapted from an old bugle signal, Extinguish Lights, by Union Gen. Daniel Butterfield for his men in the Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac on July 1862.
Butterfield adapted Taps to honor his men while they camped at Harrison’s Landing in Virginia following the brutal Seven Days battle. Soon after its conception, the playing of Taps spread to other units of the Union and Confederate armies and was made the official bugle call of the United States military following the Civil War.
Image courtesy of Black Five.
