MINERAL WELLS —
The month of May brings Memorial Day celebrations throughout our country, and our community especially, doesn't shy away from recognizing those who served their country both past and present.
Part of the familiar sound of Memorial Day celebrations is the playing of "Taps." We have all heard the mournful sound of the lone bugler playing “Taps.” For the most who have heard this song, and especially veterans, we get goosebumps on our arms and a hollow feeling in our chests. Many don't know how this mournful song came about or the history behind it.
In 1862, during the Civil War, Capt. Robert Ellicomb of the Union Army was battened down on a strip of land near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. During the night Capt. Ellicomb could hear the moans of a lone soldier who lay wounded on the battleground. Deciding to risk his own life, Capt. Ellicomb, crawling on his stomach to avoid being shot, reached the stricken soldier and pulled him to his encampment. Upon reaching his Union camp, the Captain realized that it was a Confederate soldier, unfortunately, the soldier was dead.
Lighting a lantern to get a better look at the dead soldier, Capt. Ellicomb was shocked to see that it was his own son. The captain's son was studying music in the south and did not tell his father he joined the Confederate Army.
The next morning the grief stricken father asked his superiors permission to give his son a full military burial. The Captain asked if the Union Army band members would play for his son's funeral. His request was denied because of his son being a Confederate soldier. However, the Union Army band did provide one musician, and the captain chose a bugler. The captain asked the bugler to play some musical notes to a piece of paper found on his son's body that displayed some words. With his wish granted, the haunting melody we know as “Taps” was born.
Over the years many stories have been told about the origin of “Taps” as well as the words set to music. Help yourself to westpoint.org/taps, arlingtonnationalcemetary.com/tapsproj or jariavillanueva.com.
Coming up
Events that are scheduled this month include the following (contact the for specific details):
• American Legion Post 75
May 15 – JRB "cooking for the troops."
May 21 – annual golf tournament.
May 31 – Woodland Park Cemetery Memorial Day.
• VFW Post 2399
May 15 – Armed Forces Day recognition.
May 24-27 – county flags distributed.
May 28 – "Buddy Poppy" handouts.
May 29 – Cemetery Day at Elmwood, Woodland, Pollard.
Jim Vines is commander of AmVets Post 133 in Mineral Wells. Contact him at jim.helpingveterans@gmail.org.
Veterans Corner
Veteran's Corner
The origin of 'Taps'
- Veterans Corner
-
-
‘Telehealth’ no longer requires VA co-pay
The Department of Veterans Affairs will no longer charge veterans a co-payment when they receive care in their homes from VA health professionals using video conferencing. Eliminating the co-payment for this service will remove an necessary financial burden for veterans.
-
A day for remembering
This Memorial Day, May 28, one of our most revered holidays, we all pause to reflect upon the principles that have made our nation great. We remember the true cost of freedom and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect it.
-
New program promotes vet-owned businesses
A recent press release from the Texas Veterans Commission announced the creation of the “Texas Veteran Entrepreneur and Business Department Program.”
-
VETERANS CORNER: White House moves to protect vets from some for-profit schools tactics
Military and veteran students have increasingly become the target of deceptive recruiting practices by for-profit schools since the post-9/11 GI Bill became law April 27.
-
VA adds hundreds to mental health staff
The overwhelming cases of traumatic brain injury has caused the Department of Veterans Affairs to re-evaluate its mental health operations.
-
VA deploys efforts to speed up benefits delivery
Concerns of late about the backlog of veterans claims processing was eased this week with the Veteran Administration’s announcement of the national deployment of claims transformation initiatives to 12 regional offices in the remaining months of fiscal year 2012 to improve benefits delivery to veterans, families and their survivors.
-
Some veteran retirees could feel financial hit
TRICARE Prime fee increases, limited access to military treatment facilities, and fewer civilian care providers are likely to be an issue in this year and beyond.
-
VA releases new report on Gulf War addressing veterans' care, services
The Department of Veterans Affairs has released the second in a series of annual reports from its Gulf War Veterans Task Force, outlining how the department will address the concerns of veterans deployed during the Gulf War of 1990-91.
-
VETERANS' CORNER: Release of 68 forms designed to speed up claims processing
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced March 22 the release of 68 new forms that will help speed the processing of veterans disability compensation and pension claims.
-
Project REACH could extend help to many homeless veterans
On March 19, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new contest to help the people who help the homeless. It challenges the developer community to create easy, mobile access to resources the homeless need, when they need it and where they can get it.
- More Veterans Corner Headlines
-
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
