Congressional Petition Request for Congress to Declare
"Taps" National Song of Remembrance
To: The Members of the United States Congress
We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, willfully
petition the United States Congressional membership to take action that allows
for the declaration of the bugle call "Taps" to the status of
"National Song of Remembrance"
Much like the "Star Spangle 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 signify the end of day. It has now become the
signature posthumous musical farewell for uniformed personnel who proudly 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 for those for whom "Taps" is played receive the honor
and respect of a nation they so proudly served
Respectfully,