In Remembrance

“Taps.” Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily or emotionally recognized. The haunting 24-note melody originally began before the Civil War as a revision to “Extinguish Lights,” the lights-out signal at the end of the day.

The first use of “Taps” at a funeral came during the Peninsular Campaign in Virginia in 1862. Captain John C. Tidball of Battery A, 2nd Artillery ordered it played for the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. It was unsafe to fire the customary three volleys over the grave on account of the enemy’s proximity. So it occurred to Captain Tidball that the sounding of “Taps” would be the humble ceremony afforded this fallen hero. The new custom quickly spread throughout the Army of the Potomac and was later established by official orders.

As “Taps” sounded that night in July 1862, words were added to the music. The first lyrics were simply, “Go to sleep, go to sleep.” As the years went on, many more versions were created. There are no “official” words to the music, but here are some of the more popular verses:

Day is done, gone the sun
From the hills, from the lake, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep.
May the soldier or sailor God keep
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise for our days
’Neath the sun, ’neath the stars, ’neath the sky.
As we go, this we know,
God is nigh.

Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright;
God is near, do not fear.
Friend, good night.

While the light fades from sight
And the stars gleaming rays softly send
To Thy hands we our souls,
Lord, commend.

In deepest gratitude, we pause on Memorial Day to remember our loved ones, our ancestors, and our friends who gave the ultimate sacrifice in our nation’s conflicts and wars—not to honor war, but rather those who died in honorable service.

As we remember our country’s most recent fallen heroes, please join me in remembering them and their loved ones as “Taps” plays in our minds.

Take just a few moments and read this before the start of your barbecue, picnic or family dinner.