Closing out the first official day of Gettysburg Festival, twelve buglers, including Jari Villanueva - the country's foremost authority on military bugle calls - played "Taps" simultaneously at sundown last night at historic locations throughout Gettysburg. It was a very special moment.  In fact, Jari [who has sounded the call at over 5,000 funerals at arlington cemetery] was moved at the opportunity to play the revered song in the Seminary Cupola.

 

"The opportunity to see world renown bugler, Jari Villanueva, performing at the Seminary cupola, along with 11 others at iconic historic sites around Gettysburg, all at one time - synchronized - at sunset is a once in a lifetime experience," says Festival Executive Director, Randy Prasse. "We are thrilled how this came together and honored to be a part of history."

 

Beginning with a 21 gun salute at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, twelve buglers then stepped into place to perform the tribute - Jari in the Cupola at the Seminary and the others at their assigned posts - the Eternal Peace Light Memorial, Little Round Top, Devil's Den, Pennsylvania Hall at Gettysburg College, the Virginia Monument, North Carolina Monument, Eisenhower Tower, Doubleday Tower, Peach Orchard, The Angle, East Cemetery Hill, Culp's Hill Tower and Barlow Knoll.

 

Jari explains, "This mass playing of taps is very appropriate in that we are on the eve of the greatest battle that ever took place on this continent. And, as we begin the commemoration services leading up to the 150^th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg, it is important for us to remember not only those who fought and died here, but also all the soldiers who have fought in all the wars since."

 

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