DEAR TABBY

DEAR TABBY:  Dan's post on Memorial Day reminded everyone of why we have this holiday, instead of it being just a great three-day weekend with barbecues, fireworks, and sales.  This year, since we didn't have a Memorial Day parade in our town, my family observed the National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans everywhere, at 3 p.m. (local time), to pause for one minute, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.  We also listened to a recording of Taps, and I was hoping that you could tell us all its very interesting history.  TAPPED INTO TRADITION, CARROLLTON, TEXAS.


DEAR TAPPED INTO TRADITION:  On behalf of everyone here at Blog Dog Dan, we salute you and your family for your observance.  Up to the Civil War, the traditional bugle call for the end of the day was a French tune called Lights Out.  This changed in July of 1862, after General Daniel Adams Butterfield lost 600 men to the Seven Days battles and wanted something different to honor his men.  Since he thought Lights Out was too formal, he took an old bugle tune, rewrote the last five measures, and asked the bugler to play it as written.  After changing it a few times, the tune (which has 24 notes) was finalized and the bugler was asked to sound the new call that evening. 

Within months, this tune (also known as Butterfield's Lullaby or Day is Done) was used by both Union and Confederate forces.  In 1874, Taps was officially recognized by the U.S. Army.  It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891, and is played at all 2,500 military wreath ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Taps likely comes from the three drum taps that were played as a signal for "Extinguish Lights" when a bugle was not used.  While there are no official lyrics for Taps, the following unofficial verse is used:

Fading light dims the sight

And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright

From afar drawing nigh,

Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun

From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies

All is well, safely rest;

God is nigh.

Then goodnight, peaceful night;

Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.

God is near, do not fear,

Friend, goodnight.

A group of Regular Army buglers in the 1850s; one of the earliest photos of buglers.

Please take the time to hear Taps being sounded on this video, along with the full history: http://youtu.be/Nhtr5J00ntA