100 Nights of Remembrance

Noel E. Taylor 10235 Summer Elm Ave Clermont, Florida 34711

www.100nightsofremembrance.org.


In a world where human tragedy, political complexities, and global threats face the world we live in every day, it is always refreshing to see acts of humanity, fellowship, and community that remind us of hope, compassion, and the good will of mankind. It is even more satisfying when men and woman of American Legion show the true spirit of what the American Legion mission of support, patriotism, and love of Country have become through engaging in acts of social responsibilities around the world.
Often, it is small acts of humility and honor that grow into incredible efforts of many that touch the fabric of our lives and instill a sense of pride community, and in a small corner of the United States, a simple act of respect of members of American Legion has done just that. Nearly 10 years ago, a handful of American Legion members in New Hampshire, decide that to honor men and woman of our armed forces by a simple act; from Memorial Day to September 11th they would volunteer to go to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at sunset and sound 24 simple notes of respect. Not playing it for anyone other than for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and who had borne the battle for the country they loved. The sounding of Taps, in a quiet cemetery, is perhaps one of the most incredible senses of peace, solace and respect that you will ever hear, and for the wives, husbands, and children of those that have gone before us that listened on while visiting the cemetery, to them, it seemed to have stopped time and created a quiet connection that bridged time and memories to the present day.

Encouraged and inspired by the comments of the veteran families and the volunteers, long time Legionnaire/ Veterans of Foreign Wars and Catholic War Veterans member Noel Taylor created the 100 Nights of Remembrance, now entering its 10th year. Brass players from all over New England that are called "Our Knights" , travel to Veterans Cemeteries during the summertime and play Taps every night, and many times with an echo. Small crowds of young and old, come nearly every night just to hear the notes call out to the coming darkness, reminding all who can hear them that we shall not forget and we shall always be grateful.


At the end of the summer, on 9/11, members of countless Corps, bands, public safety agencies, veteran service units, and even military units join together in one final evening of thanks and remembrance in an incredible display of respect and honor, and of course, to hear those incredible 24 notes one last time sounded by dozens of brass instruments. In recent years, the 9/11 Closing Ceremonies for the 100 Nights of Remembrance has expanded to educational opportunities for hundreds of young men and woman of high school age to spend an afternoon learning about military service, ceremonious respect of those we have lost in service to their country, and the music that is the final call of service.

From the American Legion early beginnings after World War I to the millions of lives that we have touched over the years, it is impressive to see American Legion come full circle, by giving our music, time, and knowledge back to our communities in respect of those who fought to build and protect them, Noel E. Taylor 10235 Summer Elm Ave Clermont, Florida 34711


while educating our next generation on the importance self-sacrifice and giving respect and honor as a way of remembrance and connecting generations.

As members of the One Hundred Nights of Remembrance we extend a personal invitation to you as a current or former brass musician to become one of "our Knights" and support our efforts this year as Taps is sounded on the hollowed grounds of the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery during their closing ceremony on 9/11. Their hope is to deliver a vision of unity and comradery displaying a unique American expression of "We will Never Forget".

For those that would like to be part of this or other events you can learn more at www.100nightsofremembrance.org or 100 Nights of Remembrance on Face Book. Opportunities to for individuals or groups to experience these efforts happen year round. If you’d like to participate in sounding Taps, color guard (A Line), or even perhaps opening a chapter in your area, Noel Taylor can be reached through email on line at noeltylr@gmail.com .