Campaign Overview
Call to Honor: Dr. Matthew Burford’s Mission to Preserve Taps
Dr. Matthew Burford, founder of Tactical Faith and passionate advocate for veterans, is embarking on a heartfelt journey to historic U.S. memorials and cemeteries to raise awareness about the urgent need for live buglers in Alabama. With only 26 active buglers in the state—down from over 80—the tradition of performing “Taps” at military funerals is at risk. Dr. Burford’s mission is to ensure every Alabama veteran receives the dignity of a live bugler to honor their service.
Join Us in Preserving This Tradition
If you can play the trumpet, cornet, or bugle, your talent is needed! By volunteering as a bugler, you will:
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.
Key Campaign Elements
“Call to Honor” Tour
Dr. Burford will visit historic locations such as Arlington National Cemetery, Normandy American Cemetery, and local memorials like the Alabama National Cemetery. At each stop, he will:
Perform “Taps” to honor the fallen.
Share the history and significance of the tradition.
Host media events and invite local musicians to participate.
Storytelling Through Social Media
Videos and Livestreams:
Share powerful moments from Dr. Burford’s journey, including performances and interviews with veterans’ families.
Bugler Spotlights:
Feature profiles of current buglers and their stories to inspire new volunteers.
Call to Action:
Regular posts encouraging musicians to sign up with Bugles Across America.
Local Events and Outreach
Community Performances:
Organize “Taps” ceremonies at schools, churches, and public spaces across Alabama.
Collaborations:
Partner with local bands, music educators, and veterans’ organizations to spread the word.
Workshops:
Offer free training sessions for musicians interested in becoming buglers.
Media and Publicity
Press Releases:
Announce the campaign and Dr. Burford’s journey to local and national media outlets.
Interviews:
Schedule appearances on radio, TV, and podcasts to discuss the mission.
Partnerships:
Work with veterans’ organizations like the American Legion and VFW to amplify the message.
Digital Awareness
Dedicated Campaign Website:
A hub featuring Dr. Burford’s journey, the history of “Taps,” and how to volunteer.
Hashtag Campaign:
Use #CallToHonor and #TapsForAlabama to create a unified message on social media.
Email Newsletters:
Regular updates on the campaign’s progress and success stories.
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.