Taps

[Ray Merrell]

The original version of Taps was called Last Post and was written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lenghy and formal, so in 1862 it was shortened to 24 notes and renamed Taps. The original was played on a bugle. It is often played on a trumpet today.

[Red Patch 1345]

Sir, I remember my drill instructors telling us to reflect on all of the Marines that have slept in our same racks that have passed on in the line of service. To this day only Taps and the Marine's Hymn give me chills and goosebumps.