Devotional 3-23-09

ORIGIN OF "TAPS”
Claim - Fighting on opposite sides, father and son meet one last time on a Civil War Battlefield. Found in the dying boy's pocket is a melody now known as 'Taps' - however, this account is incorrect.

'Taps' was composed in July 1862 at Harrison's Landing in Virginia. It was Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, V Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, during the American Civil War. Dissatisfied with the customary firing of three rifle volleys at the conclusion of burials during battle and also needing a method of ceremonially imparting meaning to the end of a soldier's day, he likely altered an older piece known as "Tattoo" - a French Bugle Call used to signal "lights-out", into the call we now know as "Taps". (Alternatively, he wrote the whole thing from scratch, a possibility not at all supported by his lack of musical background and ability.)

Whether he wrote it straight from the cuff or improvised something new by rearranging an older work, Butterfield brought 'Taps' into being. With the help of his Bugler - Oliver W. Norton of Chicago, the concept was transformed into its present form. 'Taps' was quickly taken up by both sides of the conflict, and within months was being sounded by Buglers in both Union and Confederate Forces.

Then as now, "Taps" serves as a vital component honoring military dead. It is also understood by American Servicemen as an end - of - day "lights-out" signal.

When "Taps" is played at a Military Funeral, it is customary to salute if in uniform, or place your hand over your heart, if not.

Paul Riggs

Mission Response and Prayer focus
March 23: Remember the people who use the free clinic. Give a quarter for every visit someone in your household made to the doctor today.