EchoTaps Tribute Scheduled for May 19 in Minneapolis, MN

Fort Snelling National Cemetery to host Armed Forces Day tribute to America's Military, Veterans, their families and especially those who gave The Last Full Measure of Devotion.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) February 22, 2007 --

WHAT: EchoTaps Worldwide

WHERE: Fort Snelling National Cemetery ~ Minneapolis, Minnesota

WHEN: 11:00 AM ~ Saturday - May 19, 2007 ~ Armed Forces Day

ADMISSION: Free ~ Open to the Public ~ Handicapped accessible

EchoTaps Worldwide is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Bugles Across America to create awareness of VA programs and the availability of volunteer buglers to play Taps at the funerals of Veterans. Musicians will render Taps at 11:00 AM local time on May 19 beginning at American Battle Monuments Commission sites overseas and continuing at National Cemeteries, Arlington National Cemetery, National Park Service Cemeteries and State Veterans Cemeteries across America.

The Military Salute Project of Woodbury, MN is coordinating the event at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The ceremony, designed as a tribute to America's Armed Forces, Veterans, their families, and especially those who have given The Last Full Measure of Devotion, will include patriotic music, a Parade of Colors, a rifle squad salute and a Cascade of Taps performed by approximately 60 bagpipers and horn players. Complimentary reserved seating is available in advance for Minnesota MIA/POW, Gold Star and Blue Star families.

Participants in the program include Merrilee Carlson, Minnesota Families United For Our Troops and Their Mission; Jean Duane, Second Vice President of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.; and, Lt. Col. Kenneth Beale, Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel.

Speakers include Richard Wannemacher, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Clark Dyrud, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs; Arthur Smith, Director of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery; Staff Sgt. Joseph Buhain, Minnesota's representative for the U.S. Department of Defense 50 Heroes From 50 States program; and, Jeff Seeber of the Military Salute Project.

Participating groups include the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad; Arlington Senior High School Navy JROTC Corps of Cadets; the Minnesota Patriot Guard; Tribute To The Troops; and, Color & Honor Guards from numerous Minnesota Military and Veterans units, First-Responder groups and civic organizations. Music will be performed by the Minnesota State Band.

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