Taps
Taps: An Evening Ritual
More than its statuary, the new National World War I Memorial is a public gathering place for reflection on the war that changed the world. It is here in the Nation’s Capital that the playing of Taps—the sonorous 24-note melody embodies egalitarianism, patriotism, democracy, and equality—will enable us to fulfill an obligation to keep faith with the American Doughboy.
Solemn public gatherings will evoke the sacrifice and service of the 4.7 million Americans who answered their country’s call. A varied cast of participants will take part in the tolling of a ship’s bell, the laying of wreaths, the distribution of poppies, and more, casting an unforgettable spell upon Washingtonians and visitors alike. Indelible stories of service will inspire those in attendance and online. At special commemorative ceremonies, Taps will be played on a storied instrument: General John J. Pershing's own bugle.
The Doughboy Foundation is actively seeking funding to support this program. We are currently funded through Spring of 2022.
If you have questions, please contact: info@doughboy.org
Local WWI Memorial Support
Memorial Grant Program
The new National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., is the hub of a nationwide network of public reminders of the Great War. These local memorials help us keep faith with the men and women who served and sacrificed, but many have fallen into disrepair or have, in essence, vanished from public consciousness.
In conjunction with the centennial commemoration of World War I, the Doughboy Foundation catalyzed the renovation of one hundred memorials across the country—ranging from town squares and schoolhouses to football stadia and opera houses. To build on this work over the next decade, we need philanthropic capital to:
- Restore and renovate memorials through matching grants that will leverage local interest. The Foundation has a track record of stimulating interest from students and community groups.
- Register memorials that might otherwise be forgotten or neglected. A definitive database of the estimated 6,000-8,000 memorials, maintained by the Foundation, will be an enduring resource for communities and historians.
FACT: In the Commission’s 100 Cities, 100 Memorials project, a total fund of $200,000 resulted in over $6 million in local memorial restoration in 100 cities, a 30 times return on each dollar granted. This is why we are so excited to offer the continuation of this program.
What’s Great But Maybe Not Obvious:
In every county, city, and township where a local memorial restoration project is undertaken, there is renewed awareness, conversation and remembrance about the local Doughboys from that community, and how their service helped shape a nation.
Support the restoration, updates and social re-interpretation of local WWI memorials around the country by supporting this program:
Telling the WWI Story
Telling the Story In All Media
One of the greatest benefits of this job is that I get to learn about WWI, and I learn something new everyday. I’d like to share that joy with you, so the Doughboy Foundation will shortly release two apps using both virtual and augmented reality to help tell the stories, it will continue to produce specialized webinars, and will partner with the National Park Service to provide a wide range of activities at the Memorial, including wreath layings, concerts, and expert tours.
We already have a number of teaching and learning resources available on our website and in the App stores, including:
- The WWI Memorial "Virtual Explorer" App to brings the entire WWI Memorial to your home or school.
The Poppy
The Poppy as a Symbol of National Remembrance
Soon after the Great War ended, the Allied countries adopted the poppy flower as their National Symbol of Remembrance. In the US, led by the American Legion, this began in 1920. For decades, Americans wore red poppies on Armistice Day, and children recited In Flanders Fields in schoolrooms across the country.
We will join veteran’s groups across the US to restore the poppy as the National Symbol of Remembrance.
Today, in the British Commonwealth countries, TV broadcasters routinely wear the red poppy each year from November 1 to November 11 in Remembrance. We should be doing this in the US.
The Doughboy Foundation will work with others to make National Poppy Day a centerpiece of its attention and programming.
FACT: In the UK and across Europe the symbol of remembrance is the Poppy, not so in the US.
This program does not require support funding. However we encourage you to go to our Merchandise Store to acquire Poppy pins at Doughboy.shop
When to wear your Poppy Pin:
- Poppy Day on the Friday before Memorial Day
- On Memorial Day
- All of November including Veterans Day / Armistice Day
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
How many people can you get to wear a poppy?
General Support for The Doughboy Foundation
Your donation helps support all Doughboy Foundation programming.
Donate By Mail
Make your check out to:
The Doughboy Foundation
Mail To:
The Doughboy Foundation
PO Box 17586
Arlington, VA 22216
Note: All donations post marked by midnight on 12/31 are considered donations in the current tax year no matter when they arrive to us.
The Foundation's EIN is 46-3321814
