Military Heritage Essay “Taps”

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Military Heritage Essay “Taps”

A family cries as the bugle sounds taps, a solemn tune played at a military funeral. How many of us have ever considered the history behind the sounding of taps? When observed, our traditions create a sense of heritage and honor. This essay, will discuss the history and importance for the playing of taps.

History

During the American Civil War, a new melody named taps played in the place of lights out. Although, adopted by the Union Army to mark the end of the day, it also marked the end of life. Taps is the most recognize bugle call of all times, its origins are straight from the battlefield and is a tribute with the highest respect.

Composer

General Daniel Butterfield has credit for composing the notes to taps. While resting after a hard battle at Harrisons Landing Virginia, Butterfield experimented with bugle calls and notes by lengthening and reemphasizing some of the notes to an Army lights out call. Butterfield, wanting to lift the spirits of his men after a morale crushing defeat, ordered the playing of his new melody in place of lights o...

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