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player ready...Dear Ann Landers: Someone sent me a beautiful story about the origins of “Taps,” which is played at military funerals. The story said during the Civil War, a father discovered his dead son on the battlefield, and the music was in the boy’s pocket. The tale was moving, but I seem to recall that you once printed a letter about the origins of “Taps,” and it had nothing to do with this story.
In honor of Memorial Day, would you please check this out and let us know the truth? — Ed in Illinois
Dear Ed: In 1989, I printed a letter from Master Sgt. Fred W. Campbell Jr. about the origins of “Taps.” The song was composed in 1862 by Gen. Daniel Butterfield and was apparently based on a previous “lights out” bugle call known as “Tattoo.” Gen. Butterfield asked a bugler, Oliver Norton, to play it for him. The first use of “Taps” at a funeral took place shortly afterward, when it was played for the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. The enemy was too close to fire the customary three volleys, so a bugler stepped forward and sounded “Taps.” It has since become the soldier’s final farewell and tribute.
There are several verses, but here is the one most frequently used:
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will print this on Memorial Day for a special group of people who deserve our attention and gratitude. I am talking about the members of the military who participate in the funerals of our military personnel. They serve with distinction, but they often go unrecognized.
The members of the military who conduct the funerals at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia and other national cemeteries perform a wonderful service.
Most people are not aware that every day throughout the country, regardless of rain, snow, cold or heat, men and women carry the coffins, fire the guns for the salute, play “Taps” and conduct services. They do so with great professionalism and dignity.
The honor guards are chosen for their appearance and willingness to serve in this special way. The chaplains participate in service after service, yet are able to offer each family a personal and memorable experience. There are the musicians, including the bugler who plays “Taps,” and the riders on the horses of the caissons. Each participant represents the government and the people of the United States, and behaves with dignity and respect.
To watch the Honor Guard fold the flag with reverence and perfection is to gain a deeper appreciation of this magnificent symbol of our country.
By their actions, the military personnel who conduct the funerals say to those who have served our nation, “Thank you for a job well done.” We should, in turn, thank them for representing us. — Suzanne, an Arlington, Va., Lady
Dear Suzanne: I appreciate the opportunity to salute those volunteers who make military funerals so dignified and moving. It had not occurred to me how much effort is involved in these undertakings.
I’m sure I speak for all my readers when I say, “God bless you,” to each and every one of them.
Gem of the Day (carved in a wall of a POW camp in Hanoi): For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.