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Veterans "Stolen Dignity" Campaign.
Bugler Tom Day who is also Alderman of the 5th ward in Berwyn is shown with Three Star General and Mrs. Eric Shinseki the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the United States. Tom Day is explaining the nine year old program of Bugles Across America where they have signed up over 6,200 live horn players to play live Taps for Fallen Heroes and their Families at Veterans Military Funeral Honors. Tom and Veterans all across America feel that using a recording or a fake look- a- like bugle is not conforming with the original law passed allowing all Veterans to have a Military Funeral. The law states the Military must seek out a live player first prior to using a recording. Not doing so is Dignity Stolen.
Tom met the new Secretary when he was asked to play for the West Point Academy reunion gathering at Medinah Country Club March 14th. Tom was also selected to play for the last reunion of Medal of Honor Recipients in September at Solider Field and for the Loyal Order of the Purple Heart on June 14 th in East Peoria at the dedication of a new memorial.
In 2007 Tom was credited with over 55,000 hours of Volunteer time by the Veterans Administration and over 5,000 hours by the Presidents commission on Volunteering in the just the past eight years. Tom started sounding Taps for Veterans in 1950 with the Drum and Bugle Corps and continued on while in the Marines and Navy. Tom is called on now by The U.S, Coast Guard, The Army Recruiting Command in Chicago, The Illinois Governor Quinn and the Gold Star Mothers program. When the Military needs Tom he is always on call Tom has done 53 services in 2008 and already 12 services in 2009.
Tom is the official Bugler for the Elks National Convention every year and with his Marine JROTC Cadets helps program the Chicago Memorial Day Service at Daley Center and the Chicago Memorial Day Parade. Tom was a member of several Drum and Bugle Corps and most notably the Cavaliers who have won thirteen VFW and American Legion National Awards and seven Drum Corps International Contests. Tom was the Marine of the Year in 1959-60 and received many other awards. On April 21st, 2009 Tom was presented the Distinguished Service Award from the 370,000 member Military Officers Association of America. Last year the award was given to Gary Senise.
Tom comments that "There is No Longer A Shortage of LIVE Buglers". We are here and ready to serve. We are just a click away by going to www.buqlesacrossamerica.org and clicking on "Find A Bugler", complete the form and the request will go out to all players within 100 miles of the event. When that Veteran is your Dad, Brother, Son, Best Friend, don't steel their Dignity with a recording or some kind of fake imitation.