Taps: Military Funeral Song

The haunting and eloquent melody played at military funerals; originating during the Civil War. The original bugle call for "Lights Out" was known as the "Tatoo." General Daniel Butterfield of the Union Army lengthened some notes and shortened others, thus creating the 24 notes of "Taps" we know today. It was first formally played in 1862, according to regulation. There are various romantic stories about its origin, but these stories have no basis in fact. No one knows who the author is.

I have lettered this beautiful print in a soft Roman style, with a photo of our flag in front of the house, flown over my brother's grave in Arlington. 

For a fascinating look at the history of "Taps", 
go to Jari A. Villanueva's web site:www.west- point.org Type in Taps in the Search box.