The bugle call known as Taps dates from the Civil War. In July 1862, while the Army of the Potomac camped near Harrison's Landing, Virginia, Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield summoned Pvt. Oliver Willcox Norton, his brigade bugler, to his tent. Butterfield, who disliked the bland "lights out" call then in use, whistled a different tune and asked the bugler to play it for him. After repeated trials, Norton played a 24-note call which suited the general.

The Three Volley Salute, traditionally performed at military funerals, is a poignant ceremony that conveys deep respect and honor for the deceased. This salute, involving the firing of three rifle volleys, symbolizes the ultimate sacrifices made by the individual and is rooted in historical military traditions. Each volley is believed to represent duty, honor, and country—the core values upheld by service members.

The idea of honoring the fallen with solemn ceremony stretches back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks and Romans held sacred rites for warriors who died in battle, often including a final vigil or watch. That tradition continued through centuries of military practice across Europe and America.

In the United States, military honors became more formalized after the Civil War and again after World War I, as the nation sought to publicly mourn and memorialize its dead. Over time, ceremonial honor guard units became standard in all branches of the armed forces.

Thursday October 3, 2024

WATE 6 On Your Side is proud to once again to be partnering with Operation Honor Guard, a 501(c)(3) organization with their annual donation drive. It is the goal of all Honor Guards to offer a last tribute of respect to their departed comrades by rendering military funeral honors to any honorably discharged veteran, without any regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, or military rank. There is no cost to the family for this service.