APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The familiar tune of ‘Taps’ cut through the Memorial Day air this afternoon throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Appleton’s Fleet Farm was one of the locations participating in ‘Taps Across America.’
“Memories are sometimes sad, but sometimes they can be joyful,” said Jill Quigley who played ‘Taps’ at the Appleton Fleet Farm location this afternoon. “I hope it gives them a sense of peace by listening to that very important tune.”
‘Taps Across America’ began in 2020 as a way to honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day without having to gather in large groups. Retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva was one of the people who started ‘Taps Across America.’
Quick response after kayaks overturn on Fox River, no injuries reported
People from all over the country participate in ‘Taps Across America’ at 3 p.m. local time each Memorial Day. It’s a moment to reflect on the importance and true meaning of the holiday.
“Those notes mean so much to so many people, and it means a lot to me to be able to play them,” Quigley said. “Yeah, sometimes I make people cry, but I know it’s a good cry and it’s a very meaningful way that I can offer my services.”
Several veterans showed up to the ‘Taps Across America’ event at Fleet Farm in Appleton. Among them was Richard Forrest, who was in the U.S. Navy.
“When I hear ‘Taps,’ I think of all the people who have died,” he told Local 5 News after the ceremony. “I was in during the Vietnam War, and a few of my buddies got killed during Vietnam. God bless them, and I hope God took them directly to Heaven.”
Overnight car thefts reported on Neenah’s east side, Police seeking suspects
The Appleton event also included a color guard and the singing of the national anthem.
Fleet Farm partnered with ‘Taps for Veterans’ to make this happen on Monday afternoon.
“Thank God for this country, because I’ve been in other countries that you wouldn’t want to be in,” Forrest added.
