Nine year-old Ardmore boy volunteers to play Taps

“My motto is, I may be small, but I can do big things,’” says nine-year old Aidan Peterson, 3rd grader at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA and son of Amy Shumoski, Harcum’s Web Manager.

Aidan is constantly learning about the value of giving back – whether it be from his Harcum family, his Mom, or his school. He knows that his musical talents, playing trumpet, bugle, and cello, can make an impact in so many ways.

As the youngest member of Bugles Across America, Aidan has the honor of sounding Taps at military funerals and other special events that recognize the armed forces. Bugles Across America is a non-profit organization that consists of over 5,500 bugler volunteers who are located in all 50 states and a growing number overseas.

During the month of May, Aidan had the privilege to sound Taps at a funeral for a member of the Coast Guard. He received this note from a member of the Guard who stood with him while he played, “It was an honor to have Aidan render “TAPS” in a respectful call without any hesitation or missing notes. Having attended many military funerals and listening to many buglers, I am of the opinion that Aidan professionally performed his calling in such a way that we would hold him in our highest esteem and rank him among the top military buglers. I thank you for your support and for having 9-year old Aidan do his part for our heroes.”

On Armed Forces Day, Aidan was the lead-off bugler during Echo Taps at a program at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, as well as being part of a trumpet choir. He will also sound Taps, along with all the military branch songs, at a hospice in Broomall during a Memorial Day observance. Aidan will be the bugler at the Memorial Day Service at Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge Park.

Aside from his volunteer efforts with Bugles Across America, Aidan also volunteers at nursing homes, where he meets veterans and hears their stories. He also understands the healing power of music because he volunteers to play in hospitals too.

Aidan’s volunteer efforts will be counted toward Harcum’s 100 Acts of Service initiative to celebrate the College’s Centennial. To find out what other volunteer initiatives members of the Harcum family have completed, visit harcum.edu/100projects.