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The
origin of "taps"
We have all heard the haunting melody of "Taps." It's
the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually
tears in our eyes. But do you know the story behind the song?
If not, I think you will be pleased to find out about its humble
beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when
Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near
Harrison's Landing, Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the
other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellisombe heard the moans of a soldier
who was severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a
Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his
life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through
the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began
pulling him toward the encampment. When the Captain finally
reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a
lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.
In the dim light he saw the face of the soldier.
It was his own son!
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke
out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission
to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if
he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge
for his son at the funeral. The request was denied since the
soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father,
they did say they could give him one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series
of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket
of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, which we now know as "Taps" used
at military funerals, was born.
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Why the American Flag
Is Folded 12 Times
- The first fold of our flag is
a symbol of life.
- The second fold is a symbol of
our belief in eternal life.
- The third fold is made in
honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who
gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country
to attain peace throughout the world.
- The fourth fold represents our
weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is
to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for
His divine guidance.
- The fifth fold is a tribute to
our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our
Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be
right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
- The sixth fold is for where
our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America, and to the
Republic for which it stands one Nation under God,
indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
- The seventh fold is a tribute
to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that
we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies,
whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our
republic.
- The eighth fold is a tribute
to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death,
that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for
whom it flies on Mother's Day.
- The ninth fold is a tribute to
womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love,
loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women
who have made this country great has been molded.
- The tenth fold is a tribute to
the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for
the defense of our country since they were first born.
- The eleventh fold, in the eyes
of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal
of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes,
the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- The twelfth fold, in the eyes
of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and
glorifies in their eyes, God the Father, God the Son, and God
the Holy Spirit.
- When the flag is completely
folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's
motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely
folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat,
ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George
Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain
John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates
in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the
rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
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World War II produced many heroes.
One such man was a Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a
fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the
South Pacific.
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was
airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone
had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough
fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight
leader ordered him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly he
dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.
As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that
turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese bombers were
speeding their way toward the American fleet. The American
fighters were gone on a sortie and the fleet was all but
defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in
time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the
approaching danger.
There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from
the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove
directly into the formation of the Japanese planes. Wing-mounted
50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised
enemy plane and then another. Butch weaved in and out of the now
broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until
finally all his ammunition was spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying
to at least clip off a wing or tail, in hopes of damaging as many
enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. He was
desperate to do anything he could to keep them from reaching the
American ships. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took
off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back
to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the event
surrounding his return. The film from the camera mounted on his
plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring
attempt to protect his fleet. He had destroyed five enemy bombers.
That was on February 20, 1942, and for that action he became the
Navy's first Ace of WWII and the first Naval Aviator to win the
Congressional Medal Of Honor.
A year later he was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His
home town would not allow the memory of that heroic action die.
And today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the
courage of this great man. So the next time you're in O'Hare,
visit his memorial with his statue and Medal Of Honor. It is
located between terminal 1 and 2.
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Interesting Facts about the
Tomb of the Unknowns
- How many steps does the guard take
during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21
steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
- How long does he hesitate after his
about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds for the
same reason as answer number 1.
- Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are
moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
- Does he carry his rifle on the same
shoulder all the time, and if not, why not? He carries the rifle
on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the
path, he executes an about face, and moves the rifle to the
outside shoulder.
- How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a
day, 365 days a year.
- What are the physical traits of the
guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the
tomb, he must be between 5"10 and 6"5 tall and his waist size
cannot exceed 30".
Other requirements of the Guard:
They must commit 2 years of life! to guard
the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any
alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot
swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace
the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a
wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as
guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard
must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the
wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very
thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are
metal heel plates that extend to the top of the sole in order to
make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles,
folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a
full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard
cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent
studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National
Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are
interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis
{the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends
five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
Submitted by Dick, Williamsport, Md.
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May 22nd Humor Page
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