The Taps Monument Restoration

Restoration to be completed June 2012 in time for the 150th Anniversary of Taps

The first sounding of Taps was commemorated July 4, 1969 at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. A monument donated by the Virginia Department of the American Legion was erected on a knoll where General Daniel Butterfield’s tent stood in July 1862. Virginia Legionnaires donated the monument in observance of the legion’s 50th anniversary. This is the only monument in the country dedicated to Taps.

On July 4th, 1969 Governor Mills E. Godwin and American Legion National Commander William Doyle presided over ceremonies dedicating the Taps Monument at Berkeley Plantation before of crowd of approximately 1000 persons. Commander Doyle in his remarks called Taps the most meaningful of all military bugle calls. “The stirring notes of Taps signifies to the military man that day is done and is the Military’s final salute to those who have served.” “It might be called music’s Gettysburg Address, for with so little it says so much” he added. It was noted that July (1969) was the 193rd anniversary of the nation as well as the Legion’s 50th. The program ended with a rifle volley and the sounding of Taps.

The Taps Monument at Berkeley Plantation

The monument over the years has been subjected to weather conditions and has been in dire need of restoration. TAPS 150 has taken on as a major project the renovation of the monument. Money has been donated for this project but additional funding will be needed for landscaping, walkways, and a bench that will be installed. A new plaque marking the 150th anniversary is also under consideration if funds can be raised.

In April 2012, the monument will undergo a renovation, cleaning, landscaping and installation of a new sound system that will play a three-minute audio presentation on the history of Taps followed by a recording of Taps played on a Civil War bugle by Taps Historian and bugler Jari Villanueva.

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The re-dedication ceremony will take place
Saturday, June 23rd at 11 AM.

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