Latest news with #Taps
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Air Force cadet candidate allegedly slain by illegal immigrant honored with full military funeral
The 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant in a jet ski accident was honored by the military branch during her Saturday funeral. Ava Moore, 18, was set to begin cadet training at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in a few weeks, but was tragically killed while kayaking on Lake Grapevine in Texas over Memorial Day weekend. Moore was laid to rest with full military honors, according to The Dallas Morning News. Illegal Aliens Arrested In Death Of Air Force Cadet Candidate Had Suitcases Packed: Report Full military funeral honors are bestowed upon those who die while on active duty, among others, according to the military's official website. Air Force Academy cadets are considered to be active-duty military members. Full military funeral honors consist of a minimum of a two-person military service detail who provide three core elements: playing Taps, the folding of the flag, and the flag presentation to family members of the deceased. Read On The Fox News App "We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met," said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent after Moore's death. "Ava's constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School, and her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team," he said. "Our team is focused on providing support to Ava's family, her Prep School Squadron, the Prep School Women's Basketball team, and the entire Academy family." Law Enforcement Reps 'Disgusted' After Illegal Alien Allegedly Kills Air Force Recruit: 'There Will Be Others' Moore graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19, 2025. She was set to become a part of the USAFA Class of 2029. Moore was hit by a jet ski while kayaking on the lake over Memorial Day weekend. The suspected driver of the jet ski and a man who allegedly helped her flee, both illegal immigrants from Venezuela, were arrested in Dallas last Tuesday. The pair reportedly had suitcases packed when they were captured by authorities. Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 22, was charged with second-degree manslaughter, a felony. Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, is accused of picking her up and driving away from the scene. Authorities allege Perozo hit another vehicle while speeding off. He has been charged with a collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors. Gonzalez-Gonzalez remains in the Tarrant County Jail on a $500,000 bond as of Tuesday. Perozo remains in the jail on a $3,250 bail. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on both of them, meaning that when their criminal proceedings and punishments have concluded in the United States, they will be article source: Air Force cadet candidate allegedly slain by illegal immigrant honored with full military funeral
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Q&A: New Stanton musician sounds taps at great-great-grandfather's grave
Jun. 1—Josiah Inghram joined the 130th Pennsylvania Regiment in the fall of 1862, at the age of 17. He trained in Harrisburg under Col. Henry Zinn and was quickly ordered to Antietam, where his regiment saw its first combat during the Civil War. More than 160 years later, his great-great-grandson Jay Copenhaver, 69, of New Stanton stood at his graveside this past Memorial Day, playing taps as part of a special ceremony in Mount Union, Huntingdon County. Nearby were more great-great-grandchildren, Copenhaver's sister and cousin. Copenhaver spoke recently with the Trib about working with nonprofits Bugles Across America and Taps for Veterans. This interview has been edited for length. Q: How did you come by the opportunity to play taps at your great-great-grandfather's grave site? A: I have been playing taps for funerals since the eighth grade. For several years, I've been a member of Bugles Across America and Taps for Veterans. These nonprofit organizations provide a means to connect buglers with families in need. A few years ago, Taps for Veterans started a program called Taps Across America to honor the fallen heroes on Memorial Day. At 3 p.m., thousands of musicians sound taps at a meaningful location. I have already sounded it for my father, stepfather and some uncles. This year, I wanted to honor my great-great grandfather, Josiah Inghram. Q: Tell me a little about your great-great-grandfather. A: His regiment faced its first major combat (at Antietam) on Sept. 17, 1862, participating in the intense fighting near the Roulette Farm (in Keedysville, Md.). They endured heavy fire and chaotic conditions, in what is called The Bloody Lane. After Antietam, the regiment moved to Harper's Ferry for recuperation and preparation for future campaigns. Their stay lasted from Sept. 22 to Oct. 30, 1862. The 130th was then ordered to Fredericksburg, Va., to join the Army of the Potomac commanded by Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside. The 130th Pennsylvania was among the first to assault Marye's Heights, suffering significant casualties. Col. Zinn was killed during this battle. My grandfather was discharged in early 1863 due to injury, and returned home to Cleversburg. Later, he married Rebecca Rhine, relocated to Mt. Union and worked as a miner and demolition technician at Matilda Furnace. Together, they raised six children on Ganister Hill. But fate dealt the family a devastating blow. On Dec. 19, 1881, Josiah placed a day's worth of dynamite in the family stove to thaw — a common but dangerous practice at the time. The resulting explosion claimed the lives of four of the couple's children — Frank, William, Mary and Grace — and fatally injured Josiah. He died the following day. His wife Rebecca was badly hurt, but survived and gave birth just months later to Joseph Ingram, my great-grandfather. Q: Do you still get a little nervous or anxious every time you have to play taps? A: I played it at seven cemeteries on Memorial Day. I am the post bugler for VFW Post 211 in Youngwood. I always had a bad case of nerves when playing, but as I approach age 70, it's getting better. Q: What goes through your mind as you're playing and thinking about this connection to your distant family? A: As I was standing there at parade rest in front of Josiah and his children's gravestone waiting, I realized if my great-great grandmother, who was pregnant with my great-grandfather, hadn't survived the explosion, I would not have been standing there. I suddenly felt transported back to that day and could imagine the horrifying blast that took their lives. These thoughts were very real and personal to me and I felt extremely honored to be able to sound taps. There was no trepidation. Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Broadway part of 'Taps Across America'
The solemn sounds of a bugler playing Taps echoed through the Town of Broadway Monday afternoon. Tyler Green, a student at Southern Lee High School, played the symbolic melody at the North Carolina Veterans Memorial precisely at 3 p.m. as part of a national program titled 'Taps Across America.' The Private John Grady chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted the program and provided a brief program beforehand. 'Taps Across America is a nationwide effort at 3 p.m. in each time zone on Memorial Day, musicians are encouraged to step mouton their porch, to go to the cemetery or a memorial and play Taps,' Carolyn Comfort of the Private John Grady D.A.R. chapter said. During the ceremony, Stacy Nooning, also from the Private John Grady Chapter offered a Memorial Day prayer. Comfort then shared a poem, 'Born on the Fourth of July,' about her brother Jack, who was killed in Vietnam on Jan. 2, 1968. 'Even though the poem is about Jack, I think it applies to many families across this country in all of our conflicts,' she said. Comfort said her aunt wrote the poem about six years after Jack was killed in the Vietnam War. She said her family had shared the poem at other Memorial Day programs. 'I think it speaks to all of your fallen warriors,' she said. Following the poem, Green raised his trumpet to his lips and played the mournful tune as veterans saluted. 'Taps' is a bugle call sounded to signal 'lights out' at the end of a military day and during patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals conducted by the United States Armed Forces. Taps Across America is a nationwide tribute dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our fallen military heroes. Founded in 2020 by retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, Co-Founder 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. More than 10,000 musicians participated in the inaugural tribute, and the movement continues to grow. Members of the John Grady Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hope to continue that tradition in Lee County as well.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day observed: North Country honors those who gave all
NORTH COUNTRY — The most solemn of America's national holidays was observed in towns, hamlets and cities throughout the North Country. TWO SERVICES HELD NEAR ELIZABETHTOWN ELIZABETHTOWN — American Legion Post 113 conducted two Memorial Day services, Monday. The first was at the Essex County Veterans Cemetery in Wadhams. At the end of first service, the participants moved to the Village Park in Elizabethtown. Newman Tryon American Legion Adjutant emceed the ceremonies and read a list of those who gave their lives for our country from the towns of Lewis and Elizabethtown. Tryon recounted the history of the Essex County Veterans Cemetery in Wadhams which has interred 103 Veterans in its 19 years. He also thanked Danny and Angie Wallace who spearheaded the Hometown Heroes banners program every year. Rev. David Sullivan of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, himself a Veteran, officiated at both the opening and closing prayers. Ash White lifted her voice in singing the Star-Spangled Banner. Representing the Legion Auxiliary Lena Robetoy placed a wreath at the WWII monument. Amid crosses signifying America's wars and conflicts the program concluded with the playing of 'Taps.' Heroes remembered in Keene Valley KEENE — At the foot of the Adirondack's Great Range in Keene Veterans Monument Park American Legion Post 1312 Commander Tom Both told of the purpose of Memorial Day. Rev. Susie Allen led those gathered for a moment of prayer. Peter Slocum gave a short history of Veterans of early Keene. Amy & Peter Nelson lifted their voices in singing 'America the Beautiful.' Rev. Allen said, 'They left our peaceful Valley to protect freedom and justice. Each hoped that their conflict to be the last for peace of all mankind.' Slocum traced Keene's heroes going back to the Revolutionary War. In particular there was Eli Hull who at age 12 tried to enlist, but General Washington would not allow it. However Hull and three sons enlisted for the War of 1812 in Plattsburgh. A traditional Legion ceremony was provided by Post 1312 Chaplain Robert Lewis and Commander Emeritus Larry House. This was followed by the Borealis singers performing, a simple but powerful message, 'Dona Nobis Pacem,' (Grant us Peace); the refrain of which is repeated as the only lyrics. A salute by the Post 1312 Rifle Squad echoed through the hillside as did. 'Taps' performed by Lynn Dewalt. Perhaps the most poignant moment of the ceremony was the song, 'Travelin Soldier,' sung by Lauren Whitney accompanied by Amy Nelson on guitar. It tells the story of an 18 year-old soldier heading to Vietnam. He meets a waitress with whom he corresponds. At a football game at the girl's high school after the National Anthem and Lord's Prayer, the local soldiers who died in the war are announced. The soldier's name is on the list, but only the girl recognizes his name. She mourns for him as stated in the line 'One name read and nobody really cared but a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair,' a scenario that has unfortunately been repeated countless times. SOLDIERS HONORED, EULOGIZED IN WESTPORT WESTPORT — The morning fog emanating from nearby Lake Champlain added another dimension to remembrances of the past and those who gave their lives for this country. The program started with Felix Haskins performing 'America the Beautiful' on the cello. This was followed by Westport Town Supervisor Michael Tyler welcoming more than 125 in attendance and leading them in the 'Pledge of Allegiance.' Ashley Rodriguez sang 'The Star Spangled Banner' which was followed by Pastor Barbara Jackson of the Westport federated Church giving the invocation. Jackson said in part, 'We give thanks to those who saw the need and stepped up. They gave the most precious gift they had. Help us be worthy of their sacrifices.' The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. (retired) Andrew Beal who served three deployments in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, while receiving three Bronze Stars. Beal eulogized the heroics of WWI Army Veteran William W. Morrison, Sr. and WWII Army Veteran Frank Dougal. Morrison was with the 76th Infantry known as the Liberty Bell Division. He survived trench warfare while living in foxholes on the front lines. 'He never asked for glory,' said Beal. Dougal was with the combat engineers Keystone Division in Normandy and the Ardennes Forest. His unit had to crawl through mines and booby traps with machine gun fire strafing overhead. Then it was off to liberate Paris and on to Germany where they encountered what was called 'the Hurricane Force.' There were many casualties as they slogged through knee deep mud. On Dec. 17, 1944, Dougal and many of his comrades were captured during the Battle of the Bulge. He then endured the horrors of a POW camp before being liberated. Veterans George Maffey and Dick Fritz laid wreaths, followed by Taylor Haskins playing 'Taps' and final remarks by Tyler and a benediction by Pastor Jackson.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Navy Night begins city's Memorial Day weekend
May 27—By HEATH HARRISON The Ironton Tribune A gap in the rainy weather on Thursday timed out perfectly so that the annual Navy Night ceremony on the city's riverfront could take place. As Ironton Mayor Sam Cramblit II pointed out, the event is the first public memorial service for Ironton's busy weekend of events around the holiday, which concludes with the annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade, the longest continuous observance of its kind in the nation. The event began with an invocation from Chad Pemberton and the posting of the colors from Ironton VFW Post 8850. In addition to the VFW, others returning for their yearly duties in the ceremony were the brass ensemble from Rock Hill High School, as well as Scout Troop 106, of Ironton. The Scouts conducted a flag folding ceremony, under the direction of Dave Lucas, and their bugler played "Taps." Cramblit then read a proclamation proclaiming Thursday as Navy Night in the City of Ironton. The keynote speaker for this year was LCDR Sean Dulaney, of the U.S. Navy Reserve Center in Eleanor, West Virginia. Dulaney noted the history of Ironton, with regards to the Navy. He pointed out that steel from the city's then-booming iron industry was used in the USS Monitor, the U.S. Navy's first ironclad ship, which famously battled the Confederate ship Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) during the Civil War. Following Dulaney's remarks, the Scouts carried a memorial wreath to the riverfront, where it was placed in the Ohio's waters. The event, which drew dozens to the river, was hosted by the parade committee and featured grand marshal Ray Jones and parade commander Lou Pyles, while retired Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Charles Cooper returned as master of ceremonies. You Might Like News Ashland woman killed in UTV accident News A tradition of honor (WITH GALLERY) News Telling our story News This year's leaders (WITH GALLERY)
