Photo taken by Tanya Owens

TAPS is the most beautiful bugle call. Played slowly and softly, it has a smooth, tender and touching character. The bugle call was written during the Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War by General Butterfield, with an assist from his bugler, Oliver W. Norton, in 1862.

“TAPS” went on from its origin as an alternative to “Lights Out” to become not only a signal that day was done, but also to say good-bye to a fallen comrade. The words are as follows:

“Day is done, gone the sun,

From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.

All is well, safely rest, 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.”

From the Arlington National Cemetery website.

It is good to remember and listen to Taps every now and then. Quietly reflect on the words and the history. Please listen by clicking below:

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/taps.mid