During the Revolutionary War, the bugle was introduced to the military, sounding commands to the soldiers. The distinct sound was immediately recognized, and soldiers knew what those sounds meant, whether it was reveille, guard mounting, drill call, recall from drill, assembly, adjutant’s call, retreat (flag lowering), tattoo, or lights out (extinguish lights).
As the Civil War was heating up in July 1862, U.S. General Daniel Butterfield became dissatisfied with the extinguish lights call. His men were recuperating from the Seven Day Battles, and he thought the lights out sound should be more soothing and melodious. Private Oliver Wilcox Norton was the company bugler. Together, they reworked the sound and created a new extinguish lights call.
Soon after, a Union soldier was killed. At the end of the funeral, it was traditional to shoot three rifle volleys. Since the war was going on, it was feared that the sound could be construed as an enemy attack. It was opted to play the extinguish lights call instead. This quickly caught on and was even adopted by the Confederates.
Today, all across the United States, the sounds of Extinguish Lights will waft across cemeteries and memorials. The haunting tones don’t provide comfort, though. Instead, those somber sounds from a trumpet stir emotions and sadness as we remember the lives that have been extinguished in service to our country. We don’t call it Extinguish Lights. It’s better known as Taps.
“As for the name “Taps,” the most likely explanation is that it comes from the fact that prior to Butterfield’s bugle call, the lights-out call was followed by three drum beats, dubbed the “Drum Taps,” as well as “The Taps” and then simply “Taps.” When
Butterfield’s call replaced the drum beats, soldiers referred to it as “Taps,” although this was an unofficial moniker, according to “Taps” historian and bugle expert Jari Villanueva. He notes that Butterfield’s bugle call was officially known as “Extinguish Lights” in American military manuals until 1891. Since that time, “Taps” also has been a formally recognized part of U.S. military funerals.”1
We, as a nation, honor on this Memorial Day all whose lives have been offered in sacrifice for our country. Last year, wallethub.com reported that …
- 656,000 members of the military have lost their lives in conflicts.
- 260,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery are adorned with flags.
- 97 members of the 118th Congress served in the military.2
This is also the holiday where 52% of Americans will grill out, spending $1.3 billion – yes, you read that correctly – on meat. Please be careful grilling. Home fires on Memorial Day increase 25%! If you are one of the 43.8 million Americans who are travelling, please buckle up so you won’t be one of the 169 lives lost during Memorial Day car accidents.3
Most of all, let’s take time to remember!
John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The verse is foreshadowing the gift Jesus was about to offer on Calvary’s cross. Jesus was foretelling His death. However, John is going to write something that pertains to all Christians.
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16) Living out the sacrifice of love demonstrated by Jesus, we need to be willing, if necessary, to lay our lives down for each other. You say, “That’s a big ask!” It’s not nearly as big as what Jesus did for us.
For all who have given the supreme sacrifice to defend our country, we remember with gratitude.
For all who have joined the hall of Christian martyrs, laying down their lives and taking their stands for Christ, we remember with gratitude.
For Jesus, who gave His life that we might live, we remember with gratitude. We can never thank Him enough for what He has done. Keep Ephesians 5:2 in mind as you celebrate this Memorial Day. “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
1https://www.history.com/articles/how-did-taps-originate
2https://wallethub.com/blog/memorial-day-facts/21363
3Ibid.
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