About Us

Bugles Across America, NFP was founded in 2000 by Tom Day, when Congress passed legislation stating that Veterans have a right to at least two uniformed military people to fold the flag and play Taps on a CD player. Bugles Across America was founded to take this a step further. In recognition of the service these Veterans have provided to their country, we felt that they each deserve a live rendition of Taps by a real bugler. To this end, we are actively seeking capable volunteers to provide this valuable service to Veterans and their families.

Bugles Across America now has over 4000 bugler volunteers located in all 50 states and growing number overseas. Since the Department of Veterans Affairs is expecting more than 1/2 million veterans to pass every year for the next 7 years, Bugles Across America is ALWAYS recruiting new volunteers.

Bugler Volunteers can be male or female. They can play a traditional bugle with no valves, or they can complete the ceremony on a Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, or a 1, 2 or 3 valved bugle. The bugler can be of any age as long as they can sound Taps with an ease and style that will do honor to both the Veterans, their families, and the burial detail performing the service. There are no fees or dues to participate as a volunteer, although there are certain directives that must be followed.

Our Founder and President Tom Day can be reached by email, or by using the contact information in the left sidebar on this page.

What to Expect After Requesting One of Our Buglers

When one of our bugler volunteers accepts a request to sound Taps for your service, you should receive communication from him or her, informing you of intent to serve your request.

The bugler will arrive early at the gravesite, or requested location, make contact with the Military Honors Team, and then stand ready to sound Taps

Our volunteers are required to look sharp, whether in civilian attire, an Official Bugles Across America Uniform, or if a Veteran, he or she may be dressed in either a Class A or Dress level(example, Dress Blues) uniform of the branch they served in. Some of our members are in Honor Guards, and may be attired in that respective uniform.

All BAA buglers are required to pass an audition, demonstrating their skill level to sound Taps properly.

Please refer to our Directives for Buglers for more details.