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Topinka honors Palatine’s Taps Brigade at Illinois State Fair

A Palatine organization dedicated to performing military funeral honors for veterans and fallen soldiers received a salute of its own this week.

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka honored Taps Brigade, whose main focus is to play taps at funerals, during her office’s “Veterans Day” festivities at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

Taps Brigade was founded three years ago by Fremd High School student Joe Brottman, who was asked to play the musical piece at the funeral of a family friend. He thought veterans and their families deserved the respect of a live performance instead of a recording.

The group now includes members with character and sensitivity who dedicate their time to play at other funerals, memorials, parades and even Eagle Scout ceremonies. If they’re available, two members sometimes will play “echo taps,” which creates an echo sound.

At the fair, Topinka presented groups and individuals from throughout the state with proclamations celebrating their achievements and dedication.

“Joe has selflessly worked to ensure that veterans have an appropriate burial,” Topinka said in a statement. “His efforts have made a difference to many military families in Illinois, and it is my honor to salute his leadership.”

For more information about Taps Brigade, visit tapsbrigade.org.

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