The origin of "Taps"

[PALADIN85020]

There are a number of fanciful stories regarding the origin of this bugle call, which is used for funerals of members of the military. One of them involves a Union officer retrieving the body of a Confederate soldier during the Civil War who turned out to be his son. He then was supposed to find a slip of paper with the notes in his pocket. Fanciful, but totally fictitious.

The real story is listed on the Arlington National Cemetery web site. After reading it, be sure to click on the picture to hear a very nice rendition of Taps, and as you do, remember our fallen. Their special day will be on Monday.

Arlington National Cemetery:: Ceremonies

 

[DeathGrip]

Good post about Taps,This monday is Victoria Day for Canada.Next monday is Memorial Day for U.S.A.
I just don't want any of our working members to wake up monday thinking they have the day off.Hard to explain to the boss that your forum friend told you so.

D.G.

 

[ASA335]

Taps – my most loved and yet (to me) the saddest bugle call.

I use to enjoy lying on my barracks bunk each evening listening to its sweet melody as I drifted off to sleep, but after my second military funeral the sound of it saddens me to the point that I now choke up a bit whenever I hear it. It’s still beautiful sounding, and yet…

Peace,

 

[Iggy]

As a Wyoming weedhummer from the sticks, I had never heard Taps until I got into college.The first time I heard Taps was at JFK's funeral.

The bugler choked a bit as a he played it and I understood the significance of that bugle call.

I stood by as my son received the flag from my Dad's coffin recently, and when Taps began, there were two supposedly tough guys really having to suck it up for a minute or two.

Taps is a wonderful salute to each and every one of our fallen, and it stops me in my tracks whenever I hear it.

 

[JcMack]

Taps and Amazing Grace give me goose bumps every time.

 

[1 old 0311]

Taps and Amazing Grace give me goose bumps every time.

I lost a Nephew, 10th Mountain Division, in Afghanistan. They played both at his funeral. Sadness, and pride, at the same time.

 

[truckemup97]

I stood by as my son received the flag from my Dad's coffin recently, and when Taps began, there were two supposedly tough guys really having to suck it up for a minute or two.

Been there, done that. In a funeral setting, Taps and the presentation of the flag will make this big, tough old redneck bawl like a baby. Every time.

 

[JohnnieB]

Taps and Amazing Grace give me goose bumps every time.

While station at RAF Chicksands back in the 70's, I had the honor of attending a ceremony at a nearby British Army depot, where the Ranking Piper of the Royal Scots Dragoon Gaurds performed Amazing Grace accompanied by muffled drums. Long after the last echo faded, not a single sound was heard, other than quiet sniffles and embarrassed coughs.

I have since aquired several renditions of Amazing Grace performed by the Gaurds, but they all pale in the memory of a lone bagpipe heard above the muted thunder of countless drums, rendering homage to a small group of nearly forgetten local warriors that had survived Dunkirk, went on to fight again in other WWII battles and now stood with great pride and dignity, some in tattered uniforms that no longer fit, to receive long overdue medals.

I still get choked up when I remember that day.

John

 

[JcMack]

Taps have always moved me in the sense of a tribute to the loss of a brave man. Amazing Grace is almost the theme of the brave who have fallen before him welcoming him into the fold.

 

[imjin138]

Taps, always brings a tear to my eye.

 

[Joe Kent]

Who among us does not shed a subdued tear when Taps is played?