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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

New Legislation Would Change Military Funerals Across The State

"090411 Trumpets (3)" By Flickr User Justin Brockie / (CC BY 2.0)

A student at tiny Alwood High School in Woodhull, Illinois, inspired legislation that will affect military funerals across Illinois.

When a member of the military is laid to rest, the funeral traditionally concludes with three volley shots and the playing of Taps.

But finding a musician available to perform on short notice can be a challenge.

Jack Bumann, a senior at Alwood Middle-High School, persuaded state representative Don Moffitt, a Republican from Gilson, to sponsor a bill that would grant middle or high school trumpet players an excused absence if they’re providing a fallen soldier with a proper send-off.

Bumann estimates he’s performed Taps at a couple dozen funerals.

I just tend to take it nice and slow and let it just last and give ‘em the full experience of the true taps being played,” Bumann said.

The legislation was unanimously approved in the House, and now moves on to the Illinois Senate.