When I was on active duty in the US Army, way back in the last millennium, the last bugle call of the day was "Tattoo," which I recall being played at 11 p.m. References I have looked up say that Tattoo was the penultimate call, followed rather than preceded by Taps. However deep-historically correct that may be, my recollection is that Tattoo followed Taps by about two hours so that is what I am going to go with here.
I entitled this post Tattoo rather than Taps because Taps, so long associated with the finality of the grave, has a certain implication of the end of things while Tattoo does not. In a way, Tattoo signified that while the night had grown very dark, there was a dawn coming and a new day with it.
Here is the call as played by the US Air Force Heritage of America Band:
So to the point: I am going silent for an indefinite period of time. The site will stay here but there will be no new content for some time to come and for all I know, ever. But since I am still unwilling to play Taps it is Tattoo instead.
Everyone who has been by companion for that past 11 years, whether co-writing, corresponding or reading, is dear to my memory. I am grateful to have known you all. There have been literally millions of you according to my hit meters. To begin to name those who are especially appreciated would be a lengthy task and I do not want to risk that my rapidly-aging mind will miss someone. I trust that you know who you are and accept these poor words as an inadequate substitute.
God bless you all. Keep up your fine work. And pray for our country.
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