Taps
A Memorial Day tribute19 total reviews
Comment from Harry Smith
This is an exceptionally well written poem/tribute to our fallen solders. I found this so very interesting because I have heard Taps at many funerals, I never knew the history of it and found this story so interesting. I am a retired military solder and my father was as well and they played Taps at his funeral. When I read this story I thought of him. This is an exceptional tribute!
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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This is an exceptionally well written poem/tribute to our fallen solders. I found this so very interesting because I have heard Taps at many funerals, I never knew the history of it and found this story so interesting. I am a retired military solder and my father was as well and they played Taps at his funeral. When I read this story I thought of him. This is an exceptional tribute!
Comment Written 28-May-2018
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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Hello Harry, and thank you for your warm and heartfelt review.
I too come from a family with many members who have served in the military. My father was in the Navy in WWII and he served in the Pacific. His brother was an Army Medic in Europe also in WWII. My son is a retired Air Force Major and he still works as a civilian contractor for the military in Germany. He is with Intel. So, like you, Taps holds a very special place in my heart. We should always hold those who serve in high regard and be thankful for their service. Too often we take all the freedoms we have for granted, so it is good to have a day when we pause and take stock of all the lives that have been given in order for us to continue to be free. Freedom is not "free" it has come and continues to come at a very high price.
I am honored that you found my piece a fitting tribute and I thank you for your devoted service to our country.
Comment from Debbie Pope
Thank you, thank you for writing this and reposting today. If I do nothing to honor our veterans today, you have brought them to my heart. I don't believe that I have ever read the words to Taps. They are exceptional in themselves. Nothing like the haunting notes though. Like you, when I hear those notes, I get goosebumps. My heart and mind immediately goes out to all who fight for this country. Thank you for thinking of our veterans today, Marisa. Your story is more than compelling. I have no sixes to award your work. It deserves it.
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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Thank you, thank you for writing this and reposting today. If I do nothing to honor our veterans today, you have brought them to my heart. I don't believe that I have ever read the words to Taps. They are exceptional in themselves. Nothing like the haunting notes though. Like you, when I hear those notes, I get goosebumps. My heart and mind immediately goes out to all who fight for this country. Thank you for thinking of our veterans today, Marisa. Your story is more than compelling. I have no sixes to award your work. It deserves it.
Comment Written 28-May-2018
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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I was happy to honor our fallen heroes and pay tribute to their ultimate sacrifice. It is good that we have a day in which we collectively recognize those who have given their lives in the cause of freedom.
I am humbled by your kind review of this piece and I thank you for taking time to read it. As far as I am concerned your thoughtful words mean much more than a six to me.
Comment from apky
I found this engaging read to be a wonderful tribute to your soldiers. The wars you mention are known to me only by name except the Gilf wars, but still you state the truth here:
>>Once again we find ourselves coming to the end of not one but two prolonged wars. Many more of our young people have fallen on foreign soil and will remain forever young.
As Herbert Hoover said "Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die."<<
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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I found this engaging read to be a wonderful tribute to your soldiers. The wars you mention are known to me only by name except the Gilf wars, but still you state the truth here:
>>Once again we find ourselves coming to the end of not one but two prolonged wars. Many more of our young people have fallen on foreign soil and will remain forever young.
As Herbert Hoover said "Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die."<<
Comment Written 28-May-2018
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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It seems that we have been engaged in one war or another around the globe forever! Our young warriors have been stretched to their limits and with no real end in sight. In these trying and highly uncertain times, it is the very least I could do to pay tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Herbert Hoover was spot on when he said that"Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die." Everytime our politicians make the decision to send our troops in harm's way, it is our youth that is called upon to fulfill their call to arms. As long as we continue to see war as the answer to geopolitical conflict and as long as there are madmen in this world who would enslave other humans, then we will continue to send generation after generation to die on foreign soil. As a species, we still have a very long way to go.
I am so glad that you found this piece worth the read. Thank you for your warm review.
Comment from Gungalo
This is a very good tribute to veterans and deceased veterans everywhere. It's the least we can do to honor them and say thanks.
reply by the author on 15-Nov-2012
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This is a very good tribute to veterans and deceased veterans everywhere. It's the least we can do to honor them and say thanks.
Comment Written 14-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 15-Nov-2012
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Thank you, Gungalo, for your kind review.
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Smile.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Thank you for giving us the history of Taps. I didn't even know it had words. The tune is all I knew. Your piece was informative, and timely. I concur with your final two lines. Nice job.
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2012
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Thank you for giving us the history of Taps. I didn't even know it had words. The tune is all I knew. Your piece was informative, and timely. I concur with your final two lines. Nice job.
Comment Written 14-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2012
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I'm very happy that you enjoyed the piece. Taps is a very moving piece of music and the words are quite haunting.
Thank you so much for this great review.
Comment from judiverse
Hi, Marisa. This is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful Veteran's Day tribute. You present a fine history of the playing of "Taps" and your personal thoughts add to the story. You make a very good point that we should not blame the soldiers who did what the country asked of them, as happened after Viet Nam. Good quotation from Herbert Hoover, and I'm glad you included the words to "Taps." They are so haunting. A military burial is quite a moving experience. My cousin who died recently had a military service with the "Taps" played and the flag folded. Very emotional. judiverse
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2012
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Hi, Marisa. This is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful Veteran's Day tribute. You present a fine history of the playing of "Taps" and your personal thoughts add to the story. You make a very good point that we should not blame the soldiers who did what the country asked of them, as happened after Viet Nam. Good quotation from Herbert Hoover, and I'm glad you included the words to "Taps." They are so haunting. A military burial is quite a moving experience. My cousin who died recently had a military service with the "Taps" played and the flag folded. Very emotional. judiverse
Comment Written 13-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2012
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I am so pleased that you enjoyed the piece and I agree completely that military burials are solemn and moving occasions.
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Very lovely. The playing of "Taps" is always awesome. judiverse
Comment from Halfree
What a wonderfully written piece. We seem to take somethings for granted,TAPS being one. The U.S. Viet Nam war army of teenagers is a somber static, we should all pause and ask why. I live in Maryland just outside of D.C., go to the Vietnam memorial about once a year. I read the names, oh what a folly.
Thank you for this thoughtful article.
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2012
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What a wonderfully written piece. We seem to take somethings for granted,TAPS being one. The U.S. Viet Nam war army of teenagers is a somber static, we should all pause and ask why. I live in Maryland just outside of D.C., go to the Vietnam memorial about once a year. I read the names, oh what a folly.
Thank you for this thoughtful article.
Comment Written 13-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2012
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Thank you so much for your kind review and your wonderful comments, I appreciate both.
Comment from adewpearl
Taps, was first - drop the comma
He was, Tidball recalled later, - add the second comma
When I hear taps played, - add comma
Your history of this haunting song is clear and informative
I also like the emotional response you include
You seem to shift focus half way through your essay - you begin with a focus on Taps and then Taps gets forgotten for paragraphs while you discuss the Vietnam War. I think you need to bring mention of Taps into that section to create more unity in your essay.
You eventually get back to Taps, but I think the time away from it was too prolonged
I very much like your conclusion. Brooke :-)
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2012
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Taps, was first - drop the comma
He was, Tidball recalled later, - add the second comma
When I hear taps played, - add comma
Your history of this haunting song is clear and informative
I also like the emotional response you include
You seem to shift focus half way through your essay - you begin with a focus on Taps and then Taps gets forgotten for paragraphs while you discuss the Vietnam War. I think you need to bring mention of Taps into that section to create more unity in your essay.
You eventually get back to Taps, but I think the time away from it was too prolonged
I very much like your conclusion. Brooke :-)
Comment Written 12-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2012
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Thank you Brook.
Comment from Blue Beetle 2
Thank you for this wonderful tribute. I had the honor of being at Arlington the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Taps. My sister in law was one of the many asked to perform. Such a touching tribute, and a fantastic day.
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reply by the author on 12-Nov-2012
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Thank you for this wonderful tribute. I had the honor of being at Arlington the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Taps. My sister in law was one of the many asked to perform. Such a touching tribute, and a fantastic day.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 12-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2012
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That must of been an amazing occasion; how special for you and for her. Thank you for sharing that.
Comment from c_lucas
War denies the youth on both sides their right to live a full life. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2012
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War denies the youth on both sides their right to live a full life. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
Comment Written 12-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2012
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So true, so very true. Thank you for your review and comments I appreciate it.
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You're welcoem, Marisa. Charlie
