History of "TAPS"

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I was recently spammed with the popular, but incorrect myth of the origin of TAPS.

Here is what my in-depth research (Google) found;

http://www.tapsbugler.com/TapsMyth.html

[Frenchie]

If you ever get to hear Jari Villanueva play, you'll know you've heard a musician.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

When my father died (a USAF officer whose career spanned from the Army Air Corps/WWII to Vietnam) I was so thankful that the honor guard sent to his funeral had one of those tinny kind-of-like trumpets that play the recorded copy of Taps. I had kept the lump in my throat at bay and the tears from falling .... then came the F-16s overhead in a missing man formation.

And I lost it right then and there.

So, for everyone who has a relative flying at 'angels infinity', just remember they are right where they always wanted to be  ... and never have to worry about oil pressure or head temperatures or remaing fuel ever again.

They just are there.

Happy Veteran's Day all ....

[Stillwater]

I was recently spammed with the popular, but incorrect myth of the origin of TAPS.

Here is what my in-depth research (Google) found;

http://www.tapsbugler.com/TapsMyth.html

Thank you for that... I have always heard the mythologiocal version, which required a great amount of naivete to believe...!

Bill

[Kent Shootwell]

Now that is great info! As an older vet I must admit I look forward to the day that tune is played for me. No hurry mind you, but I've eared a fine tune with that kind of history. Thank you SIR Charles deMouton Black.

[Trailrider]

Whenever I hear Taps played at a military funeral, it always gets to me!  So does the Missing Man formation!  As I was not career military, I doubt that I will be honored with them...and I am certainly in no hurry either!

On the other hand, Taps always reminds me of the last time I acted as O.D. (Officer of the Day) at Malmstrom AFB, MT, in early 1969, just prior to completing my tour of active duty.  Although I did not intend to make the Air Force my career, it was a reminder of the service I had performed to the best of my ability, and that others were going to continue to go to bed with the tune in their ears. (Although the music was played on a record player, and I doubt most of the troops on-base could hear it in their barracks, it was still a stirring thing.

Godspeed to those still serving and especially those still in harm's way in the defense of Freedom everywhere! God keep those who have made the supreme sacrifice for Freedom! God Bless America!

[Fiddler Green]

And, then there is this version of the story............

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taps