Members of the Burke Centre Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5412 want to rock out this year, but they need a few more musically-inclined volunteers to help them jam.
VFW 5412 has been an active organization in Burke Centre for years, said Patrick Gloyd, Burke Centre’s executive director. Elmer Savilla, a VFW 5412 member, wants that participation supplemented with more patriotism.
Last year, Post 5412 hosted its first Memorial Day program at Burke Centre. They were happy with the turnout and Savilla said he thought it was a successful event, except for one thing.
"It seemed that patriotic music was missing," said Savilla.
The post is hosting its second annual Memorial Day program, Monday, May 28, and Savilla wants to add a hometown brass band to the show. He plays the trumpet and the bugle and marched in a band when he was younger, but there aren't a lot of other musical members in the group, he said.
"I just wish I played an instrument," said Gloyd.
The post hopes to attract a variety of brass-playing musicians. It would practice once a week, probably on Saturdays, said Savilla. And age doesn't matter. The post would accept school-age musicians, retirees, college students, professionals and anyone else who can play.
"It would be a wonderful addition," said Gloyd.