The History of Taps

Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than Taps. Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day's end was a tune, borrowed from the French, called Lights Out. In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought "Lights Out" was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story, "...showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of an envelope, (he) asked me to sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac."
          This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874 It was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.        
                      - from an article by Master Sergeant Jari A Villanueva, USAF.
Lights Out on the bugle:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTXo6uplYQE
Taps on the bugle:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Xrlf3taEo
Personal note:
Additionally, I have a friend who was a Marine.  He’d cringe hearing me say that because after all we know, ‘once a Marine, always a Marine!’  He wrote the following poem and although it’s intended for a Marine, any branch could respectfully be inserted at the end.  He was kind enough to give me permission to read it at graveside services which I have done, and to publish it (which I would never do without giving him the credit at the end).  I am thankful that my friend is still alive and well, and never want to hear this recited in his honor.  Here is his poem:
BUGLER
Bugler please don’t sound the charge,
our ranks are getting thin.
Our arms are oh so weary,
and our eyes are growing dim.
There was a time so long ago
we answered every call,
Through shot and shell
and fire and hell,
we watched our comrades fall.
Now, I’ve got one more call to answer,
so one favor I ask perhaps.
As they lay this old Marine to rest,
will you honor me with taps?
Written by: Bill Robinson – 2008
Thank you for sharing these blogs.  Let us NEVER FORGET…..all gave some, some gave all.
To see a demonstration of FULL MILITARY HONORS cut and paste the link to follow into your browser  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhXkP2emFII&feature=related