Memorial Day

[andysocial]

Why does "Taps" bring a tear to my eye every time I hear it? Is it because I associate it too closely with the funerals I had to assist with during my time in the Army? Or is it just a sad song?

Comments

"Tap"

[scarcrest.livejournal.com]

It's probably a bit of both. I've never been in the military, and it makes me misty-eyed. It has the definite feel of a dirge, though since I'm illiterate in how music is composed, I can't explain in technical terms why it has that feel.

[espositarita.livejournal.com]

I found you through my friendsfriends page, hope you don't mind.

I'd say it's a bit of both. The first time I remember hearing "Taps" was at my uncle's funeral, when I was 11. Every time I hear it, I am instantly transported back to Pinelawn Cemetary and while it makes me sad, in a way it helps me feel connected to him, even though he died 21 years ago.

Taps

[andysocial]

It once reminded me of the end of a day or other twilight times, for reasons which are lost in time and fuzzy memories.

But, ever since Labor Day Weekend of 2000, it has reminded me of a lonely cemetary in Big Spring, TX, where I was the only active duty military member assisting with a Korean War vet's funeral. As I slowly raised my hand to salute his casket, the music echoed across the desolate landscape, the widow weeped into her handkerchief... When I presented her the flag, I almost flubbed my lines, I was so affected. The next funeral I did (a day later) was not as bad, since I kept busy during the ceremony with the flag-folding and such, but that first one was just really emotional for me. I think it's so weird that I could feel so much sadness for a complete stranger like that, but we were connected by the country we served. I hope enygma doesn't get that flag handed to her for a long time to come....

Memorial Day means so much more to me as a veteran than it did as a military brat.

Re: Taps

[espositarita.livejournal.com]

I could be wrong, because now I'm really reaching back to when my grandfather and great-grandfather were alive, but didn't they used to play "Taps" when they took the flag down at sundown?

And in case no one has said it recently...thanks. :)

Flags

[andysocial]

Yes, Taps is traditionally played at the end of the day for the Army, as a lights-out bugle call. I thought of Taps as the twilight sound before I enlisted though.

I appreciate the thanks, as do the many current members of our services, especially those deployed or the reserve forces that have been activated.