TAPS FOR FREEDOM

        This Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Last month when we laid to rest Carol’s step-father, Pat Frank, the local Legion Post held the honors ceremony for their WWII Coast Guard comrade. An aging Vet played “Taps” and brought tears to our eyes.
        Of all the melodies known in America, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion, than “Taps.” The twenty-four note melody is both eloquent and simple and is used at all military funerals.
        “Taps” is unique to the United States military. In 1862, General Daniel A. Butterfield (1831-1901, Brigade Commander, Medal of Honor recipient) was not pleased with “Extinguish Lights,” the bugle call which ended the day in most Union brigades. With the help of bugler Oliver W. Norton, (1839-1920), Gen. Butterfield composed the melody “Taps” to honor his men stationed at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, following the Seven Days Battle of the Civil War. 
        The new bugle call was sounded on a night in July, 1862, and soon spread to other units of the Union Army, and eventually also to the Confederates. “Taps” was made an official bugle call after the war. The origin of the words to “Taps” is not known, but here are the two known verses:

          Day is done. Gone the sun,
          From the lake, From the hill, From the sky;
          All is well, Safely rest - God is nigh.

          Fading light, Dims the sight,
          And a star, Gems the sky, Gleaming bright;
          From afar, Drawing nigh, Falls the night.

 “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you.” (3 John 2)

Thank You, Lord, for all our veterans, past or present, who have given us freedom.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com