Campaign Overview
Call to Honor: Dr. Matthew Burford’s Mission to Preserve Taps
30 Days of Real Taps is a September campaign from Real Taps for Real Heroes to recruit 30 new Taps volunteers in 30 days … with a special focus on high school and college trumpet players.
Purpose: Too many veteran families still experience silence at graveside services. We’re working to ensure every hero is honored with live Taps … played by a real person … in the moment when it matters most.
Who Can Join Real Taps for Real Heroes?
We are particularly seeking high school and college trumpet players, band members, music majors, and other young brass instrumentalists who are eager to contribute to this meaningful cause. The 30 Days of Real Taps campaign places special focus on recruiting from these groups, as their involvement helps build a new generation of volunteer buglers and fosters lifelong appreciation for veterans and musical service.
That said, the initiative warmly welcomes any capable brass player—regardless of age or background—who can perform “Taps” with confidence, accuracy, and the solemn respect the occasion demands. No prior professional experience is required; we provide training, resources, and local placement support to help every volunteer succeed.
Whether you are a student looking to make a difference through your school band or music program, or an experienced musician wishing to honor veterans in your community, your participation is valued and needed.
Raise Awareness: Highlight the significant decline in volunteer buglers in Alabama and the impact on veterans’ families.
Inspire Action: Encourage musicians across Alabama to join Bugles Across America and volunteer their time and talent.
Preserve Tradition: Educate the public on the importance of keeping the tradition of live “Taps” performances alive for future generations.
Sign Up
September Volunteer Form
30 Days of September
Impact Goals
- Increase the number of bugler volunteers in Alabama from 26 to 100 within the next year.
- Foster a renewed appreciation for “Taps” and its role in honoring veterans.
- Build a lasting network of musicians committed to preserving this sacred tradition.
How You Can Help
- Spread the Word: Share campaign updates on social media.
- Volunteer: Sign up as a bugler or encourage others to join.
- Support the Journey: Donate to help fund travel, events, and outreach efforts.