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Congressman Tom Reed announced today that legislation he introduced to designate the song ‘Taps’ as the National Song of Military Remembrance is in the final phases of becoming law. Having passed the House in May, the measure passed in the Senate by unanimous consent yesterday and will now move to conference committee between the House and Senate before heading to the President’s desk for final approval.

“With this legislation, ‘Taps’ will receive the recognition it deserves as it honors those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation,” Reed said. “Yesterday’s passage is an important gesture to recognize not only those who have served our nation since ‘Taps’ was arranged, but also those who serve today and those who will step forward in future generations to defend the United States. I want to thank Senator Inhofe for his efforts and commitment to bringing this to a vote in the Senate.”

Gaining this designation for ‘Taps’ has been a mission spearheaded by Corning, NY veteran Les Hampton for several years. “This is an important gesture in tribute to those who lost their lives defending freedom and I thank Mr. Hampton for his service to our country and for his efforts in getting this legislation introduced,” said Reed.

“When we began the fight to designate ‘Taps’ as the National Song of Military Remembrance in 2011, the legislation held a special place in my heart,” continued Reed. “As the son of a career military father who won the Silver Star, I have great respect and appreciation for those who serve in our nation’s armed forces. I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law by President Obama.”

‘Taps’  was composed by Union Army General Daniel Butterfield and bugler Oliver Willcox Norton in 1862. Since then, ‘Taps’ has signaled the end of daily military activities and has been the traditional musical salute at military funerals, memorials and wreath laying ceremonies.

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