Nov. 11 is Veterans Day and means something in my family.
We have had young men in uniform since the Revolutionary War, Civil War and every war since — with a few even now in service. There have been deaths among them, amputees, wounded, gassed, and on it goes. Yes, and heroes too.
In my eyes, I consider all of them as heroes. Whenever I hear the military play “Taps” on the bugle, I get teary eyed. The melody is haunting. There are verses to the music that many may not have heard. The words and thought are beautiful but too long to write here. Look them up on the Internet.
There are several stories about the beginning of “Taps” being played in the military. I can’t say which is the real one.
One story claims a Union Army captain, Robert Elli, in 1862 during the Civil War, discovered his own son dying on the enemy battlefield. In the son’s pocket, he found a piece of music written by the lad.
The young man had enlisted in the Confederate Army without telling his father. Because the young man was on the opposite of the battle, the captain was not allowed to have a full military funeral for him. The captain then asked to have a funeral dirge played by the military band — it was not to be, but permission was given to have one of the buglers play the musical notes found in the son’s pocket. It is said that this is how “Taps” eventually became a part of the U.S. military’s musical repertoire.
Another story tells us that a Union Army brigadier general, Daniel Butterfield, arranged the present form in 1862 and soon both sides, the Union and Confederates were playing the melody. It has been disputed as to whether Butterfeild composed the melody or just rearranged it.
The word “Taps” was taken from the Dutch word “Taptoe” and the French “Tattoo.” The Dutch bugle call was played to send the soldiers back from the beer halls to their camps at night. The French played the “Tattoo” for lights out. The British also used a variation called the Scott Tattoo, which is also the name and theme for a yearly festival in Scotland. I missed it when I was there too early in the year.
Annual Christmas Bazaar
The Sunshine Ladies of Redeemer United Methodist Church are busy putting together the annual Christmas Bazaar. I’m co-chairing with gal pal Betty Thunder. There will be many lovely hand-crafted items as usual for home and gift giving. There will be the Slice of Pie Corner and beverages and the children’s room where they can shop and wrap gifts for family and friends. The kids do enjoy doing it themselves.
Grandma’s Attic room will now be Christmas Treasure tables, meaning gently used Christmas or new ornaments, table trees and many other holiday goodies. Some could even be given as gifts. Please, no large trees or rummage items. Anything with a Christmas theme will be appreciated if anyone cares to donate. Also, bring in toys in good shape.
Funds raised are used for community needs such as the food bank. Our Prayers & Squares group will have a raffle for a beautiful quilt. We’ll also display another quilt for sale and a wall hanging. The funds go into material for new prayer quilts. And we may have a secret auction table.
The Christmas Bazaar is Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the church, 9900 Shorty Campbell Road (turn off Highway 104 on Parcells Road).
Questions? Call Betty, 297-7472, or me, 638-2644. If you use my email, jacquejt@centurytel.net, please write “bazaar” in the subject line.
I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember, our little Kingston Food Bank needs help this holiday season. Barb Fulton has set up for now in her hubby’s workshop. Let’s pray she will find a spot soon closer to town.
