Play Taps on Memorial Day as a tribute

“Taps across America” is a nationwide tribute dedicated to honoring the service of our fallen military heroes. 

Founded in 2020 by a retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, cofounder of Taps for Veterans, this powerful tradition began as a way to bring Americans together during the pandemic. Instead of parades and public ceremonies, thousands of musicians — professional and amateur alike- — took to their front porches and local landmarks to sound Taps in unison.

What started as a moment of remembrance has grown into an annual Memorial Day tradition. Each year at 3 p.m. (local time) musicians from all backgrounds join in a synchronized, nationwide sounding of Taps, uniting the country in a shared moment of honor, remembrance and reflection. More than 10,000 musicians participated in the inaugural tribute and the movement continues to grow.

Please join me at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28,  to play Taps wherever you are with any instrument.

Gordon W. Dickerson / Medford

Be more like reformer Henry Brougham

Henry Brougham was a very successful reformer. He championed liberal causes. Brougham fought all the battles with restless energy. He was a skilled speaker.

He was a major player in the passage of the 1833 Parliament Law that ended slavery throughout the British domain. Those who fought to end this slavery now turn their energy towards stopping the slavery existing in the United States. Henry Brougham was the head of this movement.

The Civil War began and England was faced with a dilemma. 1) Buy cheap cotton from the South and make lots of money. Or 2) Refuse to trade with a slave state. Give credit to Parliament for making the right choice. Give credit to Henry Brougham.

Oregon is in need of liberal politicians like Henry Brougham. Oregon’s liberal governor will raise taxes to gain money to pay for failed government policies. Also, Portland is a mess with no liberal solution in sight. MOGA!

Bill Hartley / Medford