Three slow drum beats signaled the extingushing of lights going back to before the American Civil War that soldiers simply referred to as "Taps".

The Bugle Call for "Taps" was arranged in its present form by Medal of Honor recipient Union Army General Daniel Butterfield in 1862.  Butterfield's bugler was the first to sound the new call and withing months, "Taps" was adopted by both the Union and Confederate forces.

"Taps" was officially adopted by the United States Army in 1874 and went on to become an integral part of every military funeral since 1891.

Since "Taps" is a Bugle Call and not a song, no lyrics were originally associated with it.  However, over the years, the following has been penned by authors unknown as fitting lyrics to this poignant and beautiful call.

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.

Fading light dims the sight
And a star gens the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is nigh.

If you are the surviving spouse or other relative, friend or colleague of a DFC Society Member and whould like to have their passing honored in the DFC Society TAPS/Final Flight section of the DFC Society News Magazine and our TAPS digital Jetstream (online), please provide an obituary and photo to articles@dfcsociety.org.  Heroes deserve their final tribute.